Megumi Smith
3941 Huron Ave #2 Culver City,CA
Summary
Dynamic individual with hands-on experience in percussion and talent for navigating challenges. Brings strong problem-solving skills and a proactive approach to new tasks. Known for adaptability, creativity, and a results-oriented mindset. Committed to making meaningful contributions and advancing organizational goals.
Overview
34
34
years of professional experience
Work History
Percussion Faculty
YOLA National Festival 2023
07.2023 - Current
- Company Overview: supported by Los Angeles Philharmonic
- Supported by Los Angeles Philharmonic
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Worked well in a team setting, providing support and guidance.
Lecturer, Applied Instructor for Percussion
California State University, Dominguez Hills
01.2022 - Current
- Choose suitable material for students at a wide variety of levels
- Prepare students for department performances, including ensembles & juries
- Prepare students for transfer auditions
- "Global Popular Music, Identity and Social Change" (general education course)
- Percussion Methods (music education majors)
- Ambassador for international program
- Improved student performance by defining clear goals and communicating performance metrics.
- Reviewed class and student records to identify improvement opportunities.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to create a more cohesive and integrated curriculum.
- Tracked student progress, frequently checking in with struggling students and identifying root causes of problems.
Percussion Specialist for YOLA
Los Angeles Philharmonic Association
07.2017 - Current
- Teach percussion ensemble and private lessons; coach percussion sectionals for YOLA
- Creating curriculum
- Organizing, Researching for repertories
- Choose suitable material for students at a wide variety of levels
- Developed effective improvement plans in alignment with goals and specifications.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to achieve project goals on time and within budget.
- Negotiated with suppliers to reduce material costs, improving profit margins.
Applied Instructor for Percussion
Santa Monica College
09.2015 - Current
- Choose suitable material for students at a wide variety of levels
- Prepare students for department performances, including ensembles & juries
- Prepare students for transfer auditions
- Beginning Percussion Class: an introduction to percussion, primarily through snare drumming/rhythm with some exposure to other concert and world percussion instruments
- Percussion Ensemble: choose repertoire to match strengths & interests of students; coordinate with other department faculty; prepare for concerts, both on and off campus
- History of Rock 'n' Roll (general education lecture survey course)
- Campus/Community Service: VIP Welcome Day volunteer; off-campus presentations for music department; bringing SMC students to YOLA for concerts, recruiting, coaching
- Equitizing Gateway Courses (EGC) member 2021-2023
- Improved student performance by defining clear goals and communicating performance metrics.
- Tracked student progress, frequently checking in with struggling students and identifying root causes of problems.
Percussion Specialist, Elementary Music Education Specialist
Youth Orchestra Los Angeles (YOLA) at Heart of Los Angeles
07.2012 - Current
- Teach percussion ensemble and private lessons; coach percussion sectionals
- Choose suitable material for students at a wide variety of levels
- Teach various levels of Orff Schulwerk classes
- Develop percussion studio and organize all percussion equipment & facilities
- Volunteer assistant; substitute for early music education class 2010-2012
- Designed engaging lesson plans tailored to various skill levels and age groups within the classroom setting.
Freelance Percussionist
Self-employeed
04.1992 - Current
- Participated in community outreach events, sharing the joy of music with diverse audiences and promoting arts education.
- Mentored aspiring percussionists through private lessons, fostering musical growth and confidence.
- Enhanced audience engagement by incorporating dynamic percussion techniques into performances.
- Increased ensemble cohesiveness through effective communication during rehearsals, leading to improved overall performance quality.
- Attended masterclasses and workshops, refining skills under the guidance of renowned percussion professionals.
- Worked with orchestras and classical groups.
- Performed in various venues and events, showcasing versatility and adaptability as a professional musician.
- Learned contemporary pieces and standards for concerts.
- Performed as percussionist and drummer for diverse events.
- Maintained drums and percussion equipment in good working order.
Instructor
Private Instructor/Ensemble Coach
01.1991 - Current
- Coach for various percussion groups from junior high to college in both Japan & Los Angeles
- Private lessons for students aged 2-75
Presenter
YOLA National Symposium 2021
01.2021 - 12.2021
- Company Overview: supported by Los Angeles Philharmonic
- Presenting a workshop "Drum Circle or Group Drumming?"
- Supported by Los Angeles Philharmonic
Instructor
Loyola Marymount University
08.2021 - 12.2021
- Music for Dance (Study of the elements of music theory and history which are common to dance and music, with a focus on rhythm)
Guest faculty member in the Master of Arts in Teaching Program (MAT)
Longy School of Music of Bard College
10.2016 - 06.2021
- Mentor MAT students
- Teach percussion methods clinics/seminars for MAT students
- Teach Orff Schulwerk, percussion ensembles and percussion private lessons
Facilitator
UCLA Mattel Children's Hospital
05.2013 - 01.2015
- Teen Adventure Program-led drum circles for patients
Primary Teacher for Music Classes
Glendale Montessori School
10.2010 - 12.2013
Primary Teacher for music classes
Casa Montessori School
01.2009 - 12.2013
- Primary Teacher for music classes
- Assistant for music classes Aug-Dec
- 2008
Instructor
Southern Utah University "Canyon Arts"
06.2012 - 06.2012
- Company Overview: chamber music festival
- Taught private lessons and master classes in percussion to college-level students
- Chamber music festival
Primary Teacher for music classes
New World Montessori School
09.2010 - 06.2011
Assistant for the Chamber Orchestra
California State University, Northridge Youth Orchestra
08.2008 - 05.2009
- Assisted in concert preparation
Assistant for International student Office
Citrus College
09.2006 - 06.2007
- Tutoring for Piano & Math
Instructor
Yamaha Music Schools, Saitama / Tokyo Japan
04.1996 - 05.2005
- Taught piano and various music classes to students aged 2-75
- Assisted in creation of school curriculum; co-author of published teaching materials
- Trained other teachers in program
Education
Master of Music - Percussion Performance
California State University, Northridge
Northridge, CA05-2010
Associate of Arts - MUSIC
Citrus College
Glendora, CA05-2007
Bachelor of Arts - Japanese Literature
Hosei University
Tokyo, Japan 03-1996
Associate of Arts - Percussion Performance
Sho-bi College
Saitama, Japan 03-1992
Skills
- Friendly, positive attitude
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Problem-solving
- Time management
- Flexible and adaptable
- Organizational skills
Timeline
Percussion Faculty
YOLA National Festival 2023
07.2023 - Current
Lecturer, Applied Instructor for Percussion
California State University, Dominguez Hills
01.2022 - Current
Instructor
Loyola Marymount University
08.2021 - 12.2021
Presenter
YOLA National Symposium 2021
01.2021 - 12.2021
Percussion Specialist for YOLA
Los Angeles Philharmonic Association
07.2017 - Current
Guest faculty member in the Master of Arts in Teaching Program (MAT)
Longy School of Music of Bard College
10.2016 - 06.2021
Applied Instructor for Percussion
Santa Monica College
09.2015 - Current
Facilitator
UCLA Mattel Children's Hospital
05.2013 - 01.2015
Percussion Specialist, Elementary Music Education Specialist
Youth Orchestra Los Angeles (YOLA) at Heart of Los Angeles
07.2012 - Current
Instructor
Southern Utah University "Canyon Arts"
06.2012 - 06.2012
Primary Teacher for Music Classes
Glendale Montessori School
10.2010 - 12.2013
Primary Teacher for music classes
New World Montessori School
09.2010 - 06.2011
Primary Teacher for music classes
Casa Montessori School
01.2009 - 12.2013
Assistant for the Chamber Orchestra
California State University, Northridge Youth Orchestra
08.2008 - 05.2009
Assistant for International student Office
Citrus College
09.2006 - 06.2007
Instructor
Yamaha Music Schools, Saitama / Tokyo Japan
04.1996 - 05.2005
Freelance Percussionist
Self-employeed
04.1992 - Current
Instructor
Private Instructor/Ensemble Coach
01.1991 - Current
Master of Music - Percussion Performance
California State University, Northridge
Associate of Arts - MUSIC
Citrus College
Bachelor of Arts - Japanese Literature
Hosei University
Associate of Arts - Percussion Performance
Sho-bi College
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