Organist

Wayne Smith relocated to Swannanoa in 2016 after an active musical life in Kansas City, Missouri, as a church musician, performer, and teacher. He has served many churches in and around Asheville as a substitute organist. Most recently, Wayne held interim positions at our own St. James Episcopal (2022), First Congregational UCC (2021), and Grace Covenant Presbyterian (2022-23). He is a frequently heard pianist with the Asheville Area Piano Forum and served on the board of directors while chairing their annual benefit concerts. He holds a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in piano performance from the University of Maryland, College Park. He has been a piano soloist with orchestras including the Tulsa Philharmonic and the Dallas Symphony. Other performances include a recital at the National Gallery of Art, Washington, DC, and a solo recital for former First Lady, Betty Ford. Wayne loves hiking our beautiful mountains, gardening, and cooking. His partner of 45 years, Ted Stewart, is also an accomplished organist.