| Kent Smedley |
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| I began playing the guitar at the age of 4 under the supervision of my Father. At the age of 10 I began formal music lessons, studying the Guitar, Piano and Voice. At the age of 14 I began studying the Piano with Ileana Fernandez, Principal Keyboardist with the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra. At the age of 15 I began teaching Guitar, Piano and Music Theory with the encouragement and supervision of my music instructors. At the age of 17 I began studying Classical Guitar with James Chandler at Jacksonville University, and Jazz Guitar with Gary Starling at Jacksonville University. At this time I was also performing 4 to 5 nights a week in clubs around the Jacksonville area with the rock band Enchanter. After less than 1 year Enchanter disbanded, and I prepared to enter the University of North Floridas' Jazz Program. At UNF I studied Jazz Guitar with the legendary Jack Petersen, founder of the guitar programs at Berklee and North Texas State. During this time I studied music theory and composition with Dr. William Prince and played in the UNF Jazz Band under the direction of Bruce Silva. At the same time I was still actively studying the Classical Guitar with James Chandler and attending Master Classes with Stephen Robinson of Stetson University. In 1988 I founded the hard rock band Prodigy. From its inception Prodigy was primarily an original band intent on becoming an established international act. After 1 year of performing and writing Prodigy recorded its first full album in the Fall of 1989. This was followed by over 1 year of intense touring in support of the album, opening shows for Megadeth, Pantera, Yngwie Malmsteen, and many other established international recording artists. In 1990 Prodigy received the award of Best Heavy Metal Band if Florida from the most prominent Florida music magazine, JAM Magazine. This helped Prodigy secure an international recording contract in 1992, and our album was released in Europe and Japan under the name Oracle, due to trademark issues with another band of the same name. This release was followed by yet more touring and promotion. Sadly, with a new album in the works and prospects for a European headlining tour on the horizon, the band split up due to internal tensions. After this intense experience I continued to teach Guitar and write music. In the mid-90s I recorded with recording artist Kitae, did session work and recorded my own material. I the late-90s I joined the Jazz/Fusion group Acoustic Collective and wrote and recorded an album with them. After this group disbanded I sang in 80s cover band Spicolis' Dream. During this time I also performed numerous Classical guitar concerts and continued teaching and writing music. In my teaching career I have taught over 1000 students. Some of them have gone on to become instructors themselves, either privately or in the school system. Many of my former students have continued their studies in college, earning degrees and pursuing academic posts. Some have gone on to become professional musicians, two examples being James MacDonough (former Megadeth Bassist) and Terry Balsamo (guitarist for the bands Cold and Evanescence). I served as piano accompanist for the Jacksonville Symphony Youth Orchestra's Foundation and Junior strings divisions in the 2005-06 season. On August 11,2006 I studied with the legendary classical guitarist Christopher Parkening at his master class in Coral Gables,FL. Currently I have finished an album of acoustic guitar songs,"Whispered Dreams", and am preparing to tour the Southeast US in support of it. All the while chasing that elusive recording contract that would be fair and mutually beneficial. With over 20 years of professional teaching and performing experience, I am sure I can help you achieve your musical goals. If anyone is interested in taking guitar lessons I am teaching primarily in the Lakewood area at my own shop E-mail me at admin@kentsmedley.com. Musically Yours, Kent A. Smedley |
| You are listening to The Lives We Touch from my album Whispered Dreams |