Drummer, author, and educator, Phil Smith has been a first call performer in Atlanta since his arrival in 1994. Prior to his relocation he received a Bachelor's Degree in Music from the University of Tennessee and a Master's Degree in Music from Memphis State University. He has also studied privately with Ed Soph, Steve Houghton, and Jeff Hamilton. Phil has performed with many great artists including Donald Brown, James Williams, George Coleman, Bill Anschell, Charles Davis, Diane Schuur, and Tierney Sutton. He has recorded cds for bassist Joseph Patrick Moore, Enrique Chia, and his own debut disc, “Jazz Consortium”. He has also played on many commercial sessions and several movie soundtracks. Since 1993 Phil has been a contributing writer to Modern Drummer Magazine. He has had articles published in ”Jazz Drummer's Workshop” as well as feature articles on vocational drumming schools and a blindfold test with Jeff Hamilton. The magazine has also featured Phil in their regular monthly updates and their column “On the Move”. Along with writing, Phil is also actively involved in percussion education. He has taught at the University of Memphis and the Atlanta Institute of Music. He is currently teaching from his own private lesson studio. Phil is also an active clinician having performed at several NAMM conventions, the Berklee College of Music, and various music stores across the United States. Phil is an endorsing artist for Bosphorus Cymbals, Aquarian Drum Heads, and Regal Tip Sticks and Brushes.
