Robert Smith

Robert Smith is a Senior Lecturer in Music at the University of South Wales, affiliated with the Faculty of Business and Creative Industries. He leads the BA (Hons) Performing Arts course and specializes in community music, jazz, and music for media. With over four decades of experience, he has performed globally and founded the community jazz big band Wonderbrass in 1992. His research explores improvisation, music pedagogy, and cultural politics.

Education: PhD (Glamorgan), M.Mus (Wales), B.A. Hons (Nottingham). Teaching focuses on popular music analysis, composition, and film music. Collaborations span international musicians and projects like 'Biophony' (2017) and the BAFTA-winning film score for 'The Portrait' (2014).

Recent research highlights include studies on Welsh jazz culture, spirituality in community music, and utopian musical practices. Awards include recognition for his film score and contributions to music education. He actively engages in grants and symposia, such as the 2016 'Music, Pedagogy and Community' symposium.