John G Smith – MD / Conductor / Pianist / Composer – Subject/Subjects Offered: Piano Harmony And Improvisation / Piano Md Combination / Routining And Arranging For Artistes – Classes Offered: One On One Lessons / Lecture

John G Smith career began as a jazz player, touring with the National Youth Jazz Orchestra, John Dankworth and Roadside Picnic, with whom he recorded many albums and performed all over Europe, including Montreux Jazz Festival and Ronnie Scott’s club. However his versatile musicianship has led him to work in many very different situations. In the West End he is currently Associate Musical Director at both Hamilton and The Tina Turner Musical, and previously was MD for Beautiful! The Carole King Musical, Les Miserables, Bombay Dreams, Fame, Daddy Cool, The Beautiful Game and guest conductor for Starlight Express, Saturday Night Fever, Jesus Christ Superstar, The Lion King and others. Even during the Coronavirus Lockdown he has performed, albeit to an empty Albert Hall with Katherine Jenkins on VE Day. John also conducted Damon Albarn’s opera Monkey, Journey to the West. In 2013/14/15 John was Musical Director for Ant and Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway on ITV. He has performed/ recorded with Michael Bublé, Joss Stone, Mica Paris, Mari Wilson, Darcey Bussell, Elaine Paige, The Nolans, Georgie Fame, Paul Carrack (of Mike and the Mechanics), Robbie Williams, Chris Moyles and N-Dubz. He also played solo piano on several film soundtracks including Last Chance Harvey (Dustin Hoffman, Emma Thompson) and Passion Play (Megan Fox, Bill Murray). In September 2012 he was honoured to play solo keyboard at the Paralympics Closing Ceremony. John played keyboard 1 in Sam Mendes’ hit production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. In 2014 John formed a band performing John’s own songs and arrangements. Elaine Paige liked the band so much she asked them to be her new backing band, and to play support as well, for several tours in the UK and worldwide. John has also scored several cartoon series for Nickelodeon, France TV1 and the Disney Channel, including Lola and Virginia, Sandra the Fairytale Detective, and Lucky Fred.

“Music, of all the arts, cannot be learned from books and apps alone – not even partly. It is learned through your dedication, drive and hard work … and mentor ship.”

Coach Language: English