Biography

Richard Smith's eleven solo recordings have established him as a veteran of the contemporary music world – with critical success on every one of his releases. His albums have garnished a nomination for “Record of the Year” (Ad Lib Magazine), and “Best New Artist” (Radio & Records Magazine). His album SOuLIDIFIED spent several weeks at number the #1 for satellite and cable airplay (Music Choice).
 
Richard is a professor and former chair of the Studio Guitar department at the USC Thornton School of Music. He recently developed a groundbreaking study abroad course entitled “Contemporary Popular Music, a Global Perspective," where students collaborate with the international student body at The Institute of Popular Music Performance (ICMP) in London, England on songwriting, performance, and recording projects.
 
His former students are working professionally in venues from Broadway to the Los Angeles Philharmonic, and recording and touring with such luminaries as Oliver Stone, Marc Anthony, Snoop Dog, Blink 182, Beck, The Back Street Boys, Josh Groban, Michael Buble, Elton John, Clay Aiken, Christina Aguilera, Miley Cyrus, Drake Bell, Madonna, Michael Bolton, Bono, the Edge, Maroon 5, American Idol, and Glee.
 
Abroad, Smith has performed master classes and residencies at Agder University, Norway, the Institute of Contemporary Music Performance, London, The Academy of Contemporary Music, Guildford, The Leeds College of Music, The London College of Contemporary Music, the Academy of Popular Culture, Leeuwarden, Holland, The Rotterdam Conservatorium, The Utrecht Conservatorium, Music Academy 2000, Bologna, The Universtate d'Rome, Ionian University, Greece,The ESC Guitar Seminar, Siracusa and many more. He has on-going relationships with schools in Australia, Malaysia, and Argentina.