Jamael Smith

Jamael Smith (They/He) is a San Francisco-based bassoonist and educator serving as Collegiate Director of Woodwind Chamber Music at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music and instructor of bassoon at San Jose State University. They perform with the San Francisco Contemporary Music Players, Eco Ensemble, Quinteto Latino, Avenue Winds, and as a core member of conductorless orchestra One Found Sound, while frequently collaborating with the San Francisco Symphony, Santa Rosa Symphony, and Berkeley Symphony.

• Master of Music in Bassoon from San Francisco Conservatory of Music
• Professional Studies Diploma from San Francisco Conservatory of Music
• Bachelor's degree from University of Washington

Smith specializes in contemporary chamber music with dedicated focus on amplifying Black composers' works through unrealized concert series initiatives. Their artistic practice emphasizes technical fundamentals including scales, intervals, and long tones to master diverse contemporary repertoire. As an educator, Smith integrates performance practice with pedagogical innovation in woodwind instruction.

Smith maintains significant collaborative relationships with Meredith Monk, Rebekah Heller, and Nathalie Joachim while mentoring students at SFCM and San Jose State University. Their 2023 Grammy-nominated recording appearance on Stravinsky’s Rite of Spring with the San Francisco Symphony demonstrates professional orchestral engagement alongside chamber music leadership.

Active in multiple ensembles including Opera Parallèle and San Francisco Contemporary Music Players, Smith contributes to new music ecosystems through One Found Sound's conductorless model and Quinteto Latino's Latinx-focused programming. Their artistic vision centers on expanding representation in contemporary classical spaces through dedicated performance initiatives.