Arvid Smith

Arvid Smith, performance artist, educator, composer, and author, has a considerable following among folk artists and audiences, as well as those who appreciate world music.

Smith has taught music for more than 40 years and has performed in venues as intimate as the Cummer Museum, as impressive as the Kennedy Center, and as iconic as CBGBs in New York City.

For years, Smith has shared his proficiency in American folk stringed instruments, particularly the guitar and mandolin, by performing at a variety of venues and by teaching in classrooms and festivals. His delight in folk instruments has expanded to include Asian and African wood and wire instruments, such as the sitar, tanpura, and harp. He is also the author of Contemporary Slide Guitar, a bestselling book published by Mel Bay Publications.

Smith performs in various venues and provides educational presentations through several arts and education organizations. He may bring any of several instruments to his performances, including sitar, guitar, harp guitar, and dobro. He plays instrumental pieces, original music, and may sing the occasional folk song.