Matthew W. Smith is a Michigan native growing up in the Rochester area and graduating from Rochester Adams High School, where he then went on to complete his Bachelors Degree in Music Education K-12, Vocal at Oakland University in Rochester Hills, Michigan. During his undergraduate studies, Matthew performed with the University Chorus, The Symphony Chorus and the Chorale. More importantly though, he was given the highest honor of being the first ever Assistant Choir Director for the university's choirs; a highly sought after position only for graduate students. Matthew studied the art of conducting with Dr. Michael Mitchell and voice with Dr. Edith Diggory. He taught in the Livonia Public Schools for two years covering K-12 General Music, Band and Choir and even returned to the Rochester Public Schools where he taught at Stoney Creek High School as a long-term substitue for the 2012-2013 school year. Matthew has toured professionally throughout Europe and England on several ocassions as a soloist with professional performing ensembles. He has also done work as a professional actor with Meadowbrook Theater in Rochester and with the Michigan Shakespeare Festival playing various roles. Matthew has directed many shows in various school districts such as Rochester Community Schools, Chippewa Valley Schools, Lake Orion Schools and Warren Woods Schools, just to name a few. Matthew has also worked in Romeo with a Children's Theater School, All The World's A Stage (ATWAS) where he and his wife, Allyson have music directed, taught musical theater classes, choreographed and even performed with the students! He loves being able to work closely with his lovely wife while teaching and working with students. Mr. Smith has been the Director of Music at Abiding Presence Lutheran Church in Rochester Hills since 2009 where he really enjoys working with the Adult Choir and the Contemporary Worship Praise Team. The best part of his job at APLC is that his mother is the organist there and he cherishes all the time they get to spend working together and creating music. Matthew is a current member of MSVMA, ACDA, and is an alumnus of Phi Mu Alpha music fraternity.