The memorial service for Professor Joseph Smith, a talented musician and valued educator, will be held at Montclair State University on Sept. 20.
Smith died at his home in New York on March 23, 2015. He was 66 years old.
Smith let his love of music guide him through life. A skilled pianist, Smith recorded ten CDs, edited eleven piano anthologies, wrote for several publications and performed around the world. His playing even earned him praise from The New York Times.
In addition to those accomplishments, Smith managed to find time to work as an adjunct professor at Montclair State’s John J. Cali School of Music, teaching Introduction to Music for more than 10 years. His death was sudden and surprised his friends and colleagues.
Laura Dolp, Coordinator of Music History and General Education Studies at Montclair State, said of Smith, “He really cared about teaching and music.”
Those who knew Smith continue to keep his memory alive. Friend, colleague and fellow pianist David Witten dedicated a recent performance in New York to Smith.
The memorial service for Smith will be held in Chapin Hall in the Jed Leshowitz Recital Hall at 3 p.m. The service will feature speakers, musical performances and videos of Smith’s performances. All are welcome to attend.
