About Linyx Smith

Hi there! My name is Linyx (yes, like the mall) and I am primarily a Clarinet player. Born and raised in Atlanta, GA, I grew up in a very musically gifted family. My dad played piano and both my paternal and maternal grandmothers played clarinet and after bargaining lessons for Christmas, I started my musical journey in the 4th grade, on a clarinet my grandmother gave me. Throughout middle and high school, I began picking up other instruments in the clarinet family, performing as a drum major, performed at the District and State level in numerous ensembles, and also had the honor of performing in the symphonic band at the University of South Carolina’s band clinic. It was a musical experience that I had worked hard for and was truly grateful to have performed with so many talented musicians from around the country. After graduating, I began working under the direction of Renée Jenkins at Eagle’s Landing Middle by assisting with music lessons inside and outside of the classroom, making sure that each student was able to receive the one-on-one time they needed to become more proficient and confident in their abilities. I continued to play throughout college, playing my clarinet in the marching band at Savannah State, leading the band as the head drum major, and even playing alto and tenor saxophone in their jazz ensemble, giving me the opportunity to perform in parades, concerts and galas around the city of Savannah and Coastal GA region. As a teacher, I allow my students to make mistakes as they are moments of growth and shape them to be better musicians by allowing them to recognize, reflect, revise. My personal approach is to make sure I have a copy and recording of the piece that’s being practiced so that I can play alongside the student whenever necessary. To ensure that the students know and understand their music, I like to try rhythm exercises with a metronome in order to show how to count certain rhythms, especially more challenging rhythms. I also incorporate listening exercises to build their musical foundation through ear training so that they’re comfortable with the sound of their instruments and are able to hear how their parts help to make a piece musical, as well as pattern recognition through fun pieces! Whenever I’m not playing my clarinet, I like to check out local concerts and events, travel, and spend time with my friends and family. I look forward to teaching new styles and cultivating positive experiences for new and returning musicians!