WELCOME
Michael Francis Smith is a composer, songwriter, author, and music educator with over 30 years of experience, including 23 years as a K-12 Music Department Chair in Massachusetts. Known for promoting a multisensory approach to music making to enable every student to succeed when "It's Time to Play" an instrument, he has presented at the Midwest Band Clinic in Chicago and music educator conferences nationwide. Dedicated to broadening and reforming music education, his work builds on research promoting auditory readiness, playing by ear, and improvisation at every stage of engaging with notation.
Currently, Dr. Smith is dedicated to nurturing young musicians through a balanced method that integrates instrumental playing, improvisation and musical literacy. His innovative programs, “It's Time to Play a Band Instrument” and “It's Time to Play the Recorder,” accelerate student learning and enhance literacy as students sing and play a diverse repertoire of songs from around the world. This fall, he will introduce “It's Time to Play a String Instrument.” Through his groundbreaking method, 'Eleven Leaps to Literacy,' Dr. Smith makes instrumental music accessible and engaging for every student.
Alongside his innovative work in music education, Michael Francis Smith showcases his original compositions for Band, Chorus, and Orchestra on prominent platforms like the J.W. Pepper website and mfmsmithmusic.com. Smith's music is celebrated for its unifying, uplifting, and accessible qualities. His current focus as a composer is to incorporate folk music from cultures around the world, helping all students feel they belong in their musical ensembles. Additionally, he emphasizes creativity and improvisation, encouraging students to see themselves as music-makers.
Dr. Smith is a multifaceted individual who has made significant contributions to the worlds of music and community building. As a founder and conductor of the Abington Community Band, he has brought joy to audiences for over 25 years with annual summer and holiday concerts. He has served as a Minister of Music and Worship for over twelve years, creating and performing original songs, hymns, and choral music rich and broad in theology. Alongside his career in music, he is also a passionate gardener who finds hope and inspiration in cultivating beautiful outdoor spaces.