Composer builds reputation one note at a time

Doug Smith says teaching at Douglas keeps him energized. His colleagues predict his latest accomplishment – composing a piece for the National Arts Centre – could boost interest in the Music Program.

Doug Smith has come a long way since shredding on the guitar with rock bands as a teen. Next month, the classical composer will be in Ottawa where his piece "BC Scene" will be performed at the National Arts Centre (NAC) and to attend a CD release party for viola player Lisa Moody. Smith’s piece "Magdelene Wood" is the title track of Moody’s CD.

"I have a pretty low profile," says Smith, despite 30-plus years in the Vancouver music scene. But his recent projects may change this.

In April, Smith was in the nation’s capital to debut a piece commissioned by the NAC. It was performed by the NAC Orchestra as part of its Sea to Sky project. His was one of two original pieces featured along with various works by visual and performing artists, all from BC.

Smith has built his reputation despite an unconventional beginning in classical music. Rather than start with the piano at age 4, he first picked up a guitar at 12. “Some kids use building blocks and others use notes,” says Smith. His early inspirations were Hendrix, Dylan and the Beatles. Accordingly, he cut his teeth playing in rock bands.

However, Smith turned to classical music at 17, frustrated with his bandmates. “The only people I knew who could read music were classical musicians,” Smith says.

Today, he feels his background benefits his teaching.

“I like a piece of music on its own merits. Style is secondary. I think music is like a language and within any language, there are many dialects,” says Smith.

As composing is a solitary pursuit, Smith enjoys the interaction he gets with his students.

“It’s energizing. They’re young and unjaded but burning with ideas. In order to teach, you have to stay active in your field. I get paid to learn more about what I love. That’s a pretty good gig,” says Smith.

Bob Caldwell, coordinator of the Music Department at Douglas, predicts Smith’s latest achievements will boost his profile, along with the popularity of the college Music Program.

“Composition is all about reputation. If people listen to and like a composer’s work, they will want to study with them. Students go with the reputation of a teacher, so it’s very important to the College to have Doug’s name out there,” Caldwell explains.

Links:

Information Sessions
Music Department
National Arts Centre
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