Dr. Gareth Smith

Biography

Gareth Dylan Smith is an active national and international teacher, speaker, researcher, and drummer specializing in drum kit studies and popular music education. His research employs sociological, philosophical, and autoethnographic methods, with themes addressing eudaimonia, improvisation, creativity, punk pedagogies, and meaningfulness. Smith has published in prominent journals including the Bulletin Council for Research in Music Education, the Music Educators Journal, and the International Journal of Education and Arts. His works include significant texts such as 'Drum, Therefore Becoming a Drummer,' 'Sociology for Music Teachers: Practical Applications' (with Hildegard Froehlich), and 'Punk Pedagogies: Music, Culture, and Learning' (with Mike Dines and Tom Parkinson). In addition to his teaching, Smith has had a noteworthy career as a drummer, collaborating with award-winning musicians and bands across various settings, including punk shows and theatrical productions. Currently, he is focused on a new album in collaboration with Welsh composer Stephen Wheel, based on John Le Carré's novel 'Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy.' Smith's extensive involvement in music education also includes leadership roles in associations related to popular music education.

Research Interests

Experience