Mike Smith started piano lessons at the age of seven. At age twelve, he started playing by ear and wrote
his first song. He studied violin, drums, trumpet, and guitar while in school. Mike performed in concert
band, marching band, jazz band, and choir. He also started performing in pop/rock bands playing
keyboards and guitar.
Mike majored in music in college. He studied classical piano, sang in choirs, performed in musicals,
electronic ensemble, recorder ensemble, and classical ensembles. Mike performed with the Crane
Chorus in the 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid, NY. He learned all aspects of music theory, history,
and composition. Mike studied recording and electronic music as well.
Upon graduation from college, Mike relocated to New York City where he toured with show bands,
played in an original band led by Al “Doc” Berger from Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes and he
performed with oldies groups “The Drifters” and “The Crests”. He also worked with Sterling Audio
Services as a session musician, mixing sound and doing lighting for live shows.
Mike put his music education degree to work in 1988 and started teaching music in New Jersey. He
taught vocal, general, and instrumental music to students in Kindergarten through 12 th grade. He
became known for writing custom arrangements for his choirs and bands. During this time Mike
composed music for productions at NYU and various theatres in New Jersey. He composed, performed,
and recorded music for the 1989 National Paddle Tennis championship which was aired nationwide on
MSN and ESPN. Mike also composed a news theme for a New York cable station which ran for 3 years.
During his time in New Jersey, Mike owned a recording studio and he teamed up with Grammy award
winner “Buddy” Hankerson. Together, they co-wrote and recorded an album with the hit group “Young
& Co.” on Atlantic Records. They followed this by writing and performing with the independent label
group “Boyz Club” in NYC.
Mike later formed “Soundbox Records” with Mike Galesi of Galesi Studios. Together, they composed,
arranged, engineered, performed, and produced countless songs for various artists including “From
Good Homes” (on Epic Records) and Danny Tarantino. Mike also composed music for various corporate
clients including a jingle for Western Union that was played nationwide.
In 2000, Mike relocated to sunny Arizona to continue his music career. He formed his own band “The
Spin” and has performed throughout the southwest. He produced “Unforgettable Too”, a Natalie Cole
tribute show and “Crazy 88’s” Dueling Pianos and he continues to compose for corporate clients. Mike
composed and performed piano music for the documentary “North Town”, which has been featured in
film festivals around the country and is sold on Amazon.
Mike has taught piano, songwriting, and recording at the Arizona Conservatory for Arts & Academics for
the last 20 years. Here he is also known for creating custom arrangements for his students.
Most recently, Mike teamed up with Thomas J. Ali of Aliway Productions to become co-producer and
musical director for the stage shows “Timeless” A Musical Journey through Time, and “Timeless
Memories”. He also performs in “Cheek to Cheek” an Elton John/Billy Joel tribute show, the jazz trio
“Phoenician Blend”, and with jazz vocalist Jan Sandwich.
Mike is currently performing with “Mixtape” and is thoroughly enjoying playing with such a high energy,
talented, and professional band.