Michael Smith, early childhood Dalcroze studies at Dalcroze Institutes at Juilliard, Robert Abramson Dalcroze Academy and Dalcroze School of Music B.M., University of the Arts “My goal as a teacher is to try to help the student find joy in music.” Michael Smith was born in New Orleans, Louisiana and grew up in Omaha, Nebraska. He began studying piano at age 6 after his parents bought a piano. “I started lessons and never thought of stopping.” Michael moved to New York after living abroad for a period of time. “I was attracted to New York because it is a truly international city with almost limitless possibilities for artists and musicians.” At Bloomingdale, Michael teaches Dalcroze Eurhythmics, working with students to connect sound and movement. “I try to start with the music already inside the child: walking, running, jumping, and skipping, become the basis for improvisation. Familiar songs are also used as an introduction to the basic elements of music: high/low, soft/loud, and slow/fast. Reading music is also approached in my classes, slowly and methodically.” Ultimately, Michael sees his goal as a teacher to “try to help the student find joy in music.” Michael performs actively as a jazz pianist and clarinetist. He enjoys the music of Duke Ellington, Bill Evans, Charles Mingus, Thelonius Monk and Miles Davis. “I most enjoy the collaborative element in music, particularly small jazz groups. I love the intimacy, the unpredictability, and the communication that goes on during spontaneous group improvisation.”