Biography
Paul A. Smith began his music career early as a young piano student of the late African-American pianist/composer, Margaret Bonds. His formal education has included an undergraduate degree from Chapman University; a Master’s degree from the University of Southern California; and he is ABD toward a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Choral Music at the University of Southern California.
Performing since age 16, he has toured internationally with noted American ensembles including the Roger Wagner and the William Hall chorales. For the past 15 years, he has served as Assistant Director of the Albert McNeil Jubilee Singers.
Mr. Smith has appeared in concert with the famed Mormon Tabernacle Choir in Salt Lake City and has conducted singers for the Sunday morning broadcast from Robert Schuller’s Crystal Cathedral. He also serves as Artistic Director of the William Grant Still Chorale, an organization receiving recognition for its collaborative performances with the Los Angeles Philharmonic and the Master Chorale of Los Angeles.
Conducting workshops and reading sessions at conventions of educators, Mr. Smith most recently held roundtable discussions on Multi-cultural issues at the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) conferences.
Currently, he serves as Assistant Professor of Music and Director of Choral Activities on the California State University, Northridge campus. He conducts both the Chamber Singers and the Northridge Singers, a 60-voice select ensemble.