Dr. Cahill Smith, assistant professor of piano at Lee University, has been signed to the Yamaha Artist Roster as a classical pianist.
“The Yamaha Artist roster is an elite group of world class performing artists, chosen and accepted by invitation only,” said Bonnie Barrett, director of the Yamaha Artist Services. “To be a Yamaha Artist is a distinct honor and an acknowledgement of professional and artistic achievement, recognized throughout the world.”
As a Yamaha artist, Dr. Smith is in the company of artists such as Byron Janis, Michael Tilson Thomas, Ilya Yakushev, Frederic Chiu, Alexander Kobrin, Abbey Simon, Chick Corea, and Hiromi.
Each Yamaha artist receives benefits such as the use of Yamaha facilities and concert pianos for performance and concert purposes, special professional discounts on Yamaha products, and priority technical support.
According to Ms. Barrett, Dr. Smith will be an advocate for Yamaha at Lee University, acting as an advisor for the acquisition of new instruments for rehearsal rooms, recording studios, and performance venues.
In addition to teaching at Lee, Dr. Smith performs regularly as a recitalist, concerto soloist, and chamber musician in the United States and abroad. His recent performances include three programs at Carnegie Hall’s Weill Recital Hall in the past three seasons, as well as solo recitals and concerto performances in China, Ukraine, England, and Ireland.
While pursuing his doctorate at Eastman School of Music, Dr. Smith received the Douglas Lowry Award for Excellence in Performance, won the Eastman Concerto Competition, and was awarded the Prize for Excellence in Teaching. Dr. Smith also holds degrees from the University of Michigan and the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
Dr. Smith's first commercial solo recording, recorded at the Yamaha Piano Salon in New York on the new Yamaha CFX, will be released in early 2017.