Alyssa Smith

Alyssa Smith is a pianist, composer, and educator based in Brooklyn, New York. Originally from Madison, Wisconsin, Alyssa received her Bachelor’s degree in Piano Performance from the University of Wisconsin under the instruction of Christopher Taylor, and her Master’s degree in Jazz and Contemporary Improvisation from the University of Michigan under the instruction of Andy Milne and Ellen Rowe.

Alyssa began playing the piano at a very young age, and started teaching piano and music theory in middle school. At the age of 19, she began teaching at Steinway and Sons and Rhapsody Arts Center while obtaining her Bachelor’s degree. Upon moving to Michigan to complete her Master’s degree, Alyssa built and maintained a private studio of thirty-two jazz, classical, and composition students.

Having graduated with degrees in both classical and jazz piano, Alyssa seeks to bridge the gap between the two genres and explore musical spaces in between in her teaching. Alyssa believes that every student has a unique set of strengths and interests and is deeply invested in providing materials and an educational atmosphere that challenges and excites students.

Alyssa also performs as a soloist and ensemble leader for multiple jazz and experimental groups across the US. She has performed as a fellowship scholar for the Honeywell Arts Academy, as a regularly contracted performer leading her group the Alyssa Smith Trio at the Blue Llama Jazz Club, as the pianist for Wynton Marsalis’s Honorary Degree Recipient dinner at the University of Michigan, and in Detroit’s Rising Jazz Stars of Tomorrow concert.