John Michael Smith, Luthier

About John Michael Smith

Luthier History

Chi-Chi Nwanoku, bassist with the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, with John Michael Smith

John Michael Smith became interested in instrument repair and maintenance while visiting Walter Hammer's shop in Portsmouth, Virginia, during high school and college. He completed a Bachelor of Music in Double Bass Performance at  East Carolina University in 1975. In his senior year, he performed with the Norfolk Symphony.  In 1976, he entered the Masters program at The Ohio State University, studying with Dr. Theron McClure, and became a member of the Columbus Symphony.  In 1977, he began his training at the Loft Violin Shop in Columbus, Ohio, working with Richard and David Schlub. During this period, he was also studying double bass with David Perlman, Principal Bass of the Cleveland Orchestra.  He began studying and working on Mr. Perlman's collection of fine old Italian basses and many fine bass bows.

After moving to St. Paul, Minnesota, in 1980, he began working at the House of Note, a string instrument shop in St. Louis Park, and also in his home shop. In 1981 he opened his own shop, John Michael Smith, Luthier.

He was selected to attend the Violin Society of America's Violin Restoration Workshop in both 1988 and 1989. The workshop was held at Oberlin College and was directed by Vahakn Nigogosian. He had the opportunity to work and discuss violin restoration with other instructors, including Hans Weisshaar, Luiz Bellini, Kenneth Meyer, and Joseph Robinson. He also attended the VSA's Oberlin Bow Restoration Workshop, directed by Yung Chin, in 1991 and 1993.

He frequently exhibits his work at The International Society of Bassists conventions and the Minnesota chapter of the American String Teachers Association, as well as local double bass presentations and workshops.

His clients include musicians from around the world as well as the Minnesota Community, including members of the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra, Minnesota Opera Orchestra, and the Minnesota Orchestra.

Musical Activities

• Principal Double Bass of the Minnesota Opera Orchestra
• Performs with the:
  • Minneapolis Pops Orchestra
  • Skylark Opera
  • Mill City Summer Opera
• Performed, recorded, and toured with the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra and Minnesota Orchestra
• Former member of the Columbus Symphony
• Former member of the HELIOS chamber ensemble
• Free-lance artist

Education

• Bachelor of Music from East Carolina University
• Master of Music from Ohio State University