PROFILE
Dr Ashley William Smith
Started at UWA: 2014
Internationally acclaimed clarinet soloist and Churchill Fellow
All humans are fundamentally musical creatures. We don’t know why we enjoy listening and making music, we just do it because we know it’s an essential part of life.
Dr Ashley William Smith
Dr Ashley William Smith is an internationally renowned and award-winning clarinet soloist and bass clarinettist who performs and teaches art music, specialising in twentieth and twenty-first century repertoire. After completing undergraduate studies at UWA, Dr Smith studied at the Australian National Academy of Music in Melbourne before completing a master’s degree at Yale University.
Performing extensively throughout the United States, Europe and Asia after completing this degree, Dr Smith has become one of Australia’s most in-demand young musicians.
Dr Smith returned to UWA in 2014 to teach and share his passion for music with students at the Conservatorium of Music.
Qualifications:
- Master of Music (Yale)
- Bachelor of Music (UWA)
- Fellow of the Australian National Academy of Music
Winner of Australasian Performing Rights Association performance of the year, 2014
Churchill Fellowship, 2013
Freedman Fellow (Classical), 2012
Symphony International Young Performer Award, 2010
As musicians, we have a responsibility toward developing the art form and ensuring its sustainability. I hope that the quality and creativity of my work as a performer and teacher makes me the best possible advocate for the art form that I can be.
An instrument for change
News
Churchill Fellow takes risks at Fremantle Festival
The University of Western Australia’s Churchill Fellow, clarinettist Ashley William Smith has performed an unexpected and experimental music event as part of this year’s Fremantle Festival.
Read morePerformance review: Classic strings to their bows
This group of three concerts, performed from Friday through to Sunday, as part of PIAF’s Chamber Music Series curated by Yarmila Alfonzetti, showcased the talents of one of today’s leading string quartets, LA-based Calder Quartet.
Read moreLiving a life through music is the greatest privilege anyone can have. My development as a musician is unending – refining my skills as a performer and teacher is a lifelong process.