Stewart Smith

Stewart Smith is a Senior Lecturer at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA), part of Edith Cowan University. He leads the Centre for Keyboard Heritage and Performance Research and serves as assistant organist at St George's Cathedral in Perth. Previously, he held leadership positions as head of department and Dean of Music at WAAPA, but has returned to focus on teaching and research.

• Master of Music, Royal Academy of Music and London University
• Certificate IV in Assessment & Workplace Training, TAFE WA (2006)

Smith's research spans historical musicology, early music, performance practice, improvisation, and historical keyboard instruments, with particular focus on Baroque repertoire and English music from 1700-1850. His work uniquely bridges scholarly research with practical performance, exploring how historical understanding informs contemporary interpretation. He has developed significant expertise in reception history, examining how musical works have been understood and performed across different eras.

Analysis of his recent publications reveals consistent exploration of performance authenticity, particularly regarding Baroque practices. His work demonstrates increasing interdisciplinary approaches, connecting musicology with cultural studies, instrument history, and cross-cultural influences. The research shows particular strength in keyboard performance traditions and their evolution.

• Solo harpsichord recital for ABC's Sunday Live voted one of the year's best broadcasts
• Five-CD set of French Baroque music on ABC Classics label received international acclaim

Smith has secured substantial research funding, including a major Australian Research Council grant for French Baroque research and recent significant grants from the Feilman Foundation ($350,000) and Wright Burt Foundation ($100,000) for keyboard instrument restoration. He actively supervises 5 current PhD students and has guided numerous completed research projects across musicology, performance practice, and historical instruments. As director of the Centre for Keyboard Heritage and Performance Research, he oversees projects focused on historical keyboard instruments and their performance contexts, including the restoration of a 1786 Kirkman harpsichord.

Smith maintains an international performance profile, with recent work including Celtic Baroque interpretations, experimental Vivaldi performances, and Ligeti's Volumina. His performance career spans collaborations with major ensembles including the Orchestra of the Antipodes, Pinchgut Opera, and all Australian state symphony orchestras, alongside international appearances at prestigious venues including Westminster Abbey and St Paul's Cathedral.