Taylor Smith

Taylor Smith is a musician, arranger, educator, musicologist, and producer based in Southern California. Taylor performs on double bass, electric bass, viola da gamba, and in various electronic capacities. He is equally at home in classical, folk, popular, jazz, electronic, and early music settings.

Taylor earned an PhD in musicology from Claremont Graduate University, an MA in music (emphasis: historical performance practices) from CGU, and a BMA from Brigham Young University-Idaho.

Taylor studied viola da gamba with Shanon Zusman, double bass with Denson Angulo, Robert Tueller, and Marshall Hawkins, and electric bass with Bart Samolis. He studied musicology and historical performance practices with Robert Zappulla and Nancy van Deusen. Music technology mentors include Peter Boyer, Troy Hinckley, and David Taylor.

As a performer, Taylor has held positions with M3 Trio, Reka Parker Quartet, Windsor Hills Consort, Loma Linda Lyric Symphony, and the Idaho Falls Symphony.

Taylor is on the faculty of Cuyamaca College where he teaches music theory, technology, industry, and performance courses; he also directs the school’s Rock, Pop, and Soul Ensemble. Former teaching positions include San Bernardino Valley College and the Claremont Community School of Music.Taylor Smith joined the Cuyamaca College faculty in 2008. He earned a PhD in Musicology from Claremont Graduate University, and MA in Music (Historical Performance Practices emphasis) from CGU, and a BMA from BYU-Idaho. Dr. Smith frequently performs on double bass, viola da gamba, electric bass, and as an electronic musician.