Gillian Smith

Gillian Smith welcomes piano students of all ages and levels. Gillian is a patient and enthusiastic instructor. She works carefully with each individual to find a pace of study that is challenging and exciting, yet manageable and confidence-building. She offers in-studio group workshops, recitals and composition projects to foster a community atmosphere of positive peer support and inspiration. Music Teachers’ Association of California festivals, competitions, and Certificate of Merit evaluations provide additional opportunities for students.

Gillian received her B.A. from UCLA in Music Theory and Composition, and her Master of Music Degree from CSUN.  Her principal piano teachers included Leonid Hambro, Li Ming Qiang, Erika Zador, Mark Richman and James McCormick. She studied film scoring with Walter Scharf. A long-time member of the Music Teachers’ Association of California, Gillian served as president of two MTAC branches, and as an evaluator for the Certificate of Merit Program. She adjudicated many music festivals and competitions in the Los Angeles area, including the Chinese Music Education Association’s annual piano competition for 8 years.