MUSIC

Talent alone is seldom enough to guarantee success: talent must be trained and challenged, weaknesses identified and nurtured, and growth directed appropriately to the needs and abilities of the individual student. We provide focused training rather than broad exposure, preparing our students to compete successfully for placement in the most competitive music programs in the country. Our teachers are professionals with a successful, ongoing career providing our programs a view not only of the rigorous methods necessary to succeed in advanced academic and conservatory training but also a first-hand current view of the day-to-day realities of the business of the performing arts.

Being a musician, vocalist, or arranger requires experience and expertise that can only be gained by balancing learning, performing, and surviving. Experienced faculty can provide the perfect bridge between the stage and the classroom, imparting skills and knowledge to students that will help them reach their potential. With their guidance, students can learn how to create, arrange, and perform music to a high level, while also developing the skills necessary to make a living as a musician. The faculty’s experience and craft can help students excel and reach their goals, whether they are aspiring to become professional musicians or simply learning how to express themselves through music.

Meet the Faculty

  • Landon Smith | Music Department Chair | Choir & Vocal Faculty

    Landon Smith has worked as a singer, musician, and music educator for most of his life. Landon received both Bachelor's and Master's degrees from Utah State University, where he studied with Dr. Cindy Dewey and Dr. Cory Evans.

    As a performer, Landon has worked as a soloist in a wide variety of settings. Notably, he has sung lead roles in several operas, including Donizetti's L'elisir D'Amore, and Puccini's La Rondine. He has also had the pleasure of performing in masterclasses with world-renowned musicians such as Stanford Olson and Colin Baldy.

    As an educator, Mr. Smith has taught choir, voice, and theatre classes in Utah Public Schools for nearly a decade. His choirs have consistently excelled, and he has directed many musicals, most recently Fame! and The Music Man. Mr. Smith has received many recognitions for his award-winning education, including being awarded as his school's Teacher of the Year twice.

    Mr. Smith's greatest passion is helping people discover skills they didn't know they had, and develop the confidence to use those skills to express themselves. In all interactions, Mr. Smith's top priority is to help students find their true voice.

  • Nicole Numkena | Piano and Classical Ensemble Faculty

    Nicole received a Bachelors in Music from the University of Utah, graduating with honors in Piano Performance. She studied primarily with Dr. Ning Lu, the head of the piano area.

    She won the concerto competition and performed with the Salt Lake Symphony as an honors guest. Nicole volunteered at the Title One Schools after-school piano program and performed in nursing homes in the Salt Lake Valley.

    Aside from piano, Nicole loves to sing, dance, and do aerial yoga, she has two curious daughters and lives by the motto “Live authentically and fearlessly. “

    Nicole believes every student that has the drive to learn can and will in the right environment! Her hope is that she can help every kid tap into their full potential, so they can accomplish their dreams.