Aaron Smith is a freelance
percussionist in Southern California, where he has performed with such groups
as the Los Angeles Philharmonic, the L.A. Chamber Orchestra, L.A. Opera and the
Pacific Symphony.
He served as the
principal timpanist of the New Mexico Symphony.
In addition to orchestral music, Mr. Smith plays
contemporary music and is an active chamber musician.
He has performed as a soloist in Los Angeles and
New York City, and has given solo recitals throughout Southern California. Mr.
Smith has participated in the world-premieres of many works, some of which were
written specifically for him.
Outside of LMU, Mr. Smith serves as a clinician and
adjudicator. Aaron attended the University of California at Los Angeles (BA,
MFA), where he studied with Mitchell Peters, Principal Timpanist (ret.) of the
Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra and has also studied with Raynor Carroll,
Principal Percussionist of the LAPO.
He
has studied riq and frame drums with
Randy Gloss (CALARTS) and drum set with Michael Packer (L.A. Music Academy) and
J. D. Blair (Nashville studio and touring musician).