WELCOME
Michael Francis Smith is a composer, songwriter, author, and music educator with over 30 years of experience, including 23 years as a PK-12 Music Department Chair in Massachusetts. He is known for engaging every student in making music, so they continue singing, playing and creating music for life. His work builds on research emphasizing auditory readiness, playing by ear, and improvisation at every stage of engaging with notation. He has presented at the Midwest Band Clinic in Chicago and music educator conferences nationwide, working to broaden instrumental music education to welcome more students, styles, and ways of learning.
Dr. Smith is dedicated to nurturing young musicians through a balanced method that integrates singing, playing, and creating with musical literacy. His innovative publications, 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. In April 2025, 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.