W. Carter Smith, D.M.A.

About Carter

Dr. Carter Smith is a conductor, educator, and baritone who teaches voice and music theory and conducts choirs at Interlochen Center for the Arts.

Smith has held a wide range of leadership roles in choral, vocal, and operatic settings in the Midwest and the Southern United States. He currently leads multiple Interlochen Academy and Camp choirs and teaches voice in classical and contemporary commercial styles. His students have gone on to top collegiate music programs and earned recognition in regional and national competitions.

Before Interlochen, Smith taught voice and music theory at the secondary and collegiate levels and conducted ensembles from grade six through college. He served as musical director, conductor, and chorus master for a variety of theatrical productions with organizations including Baton Rouge's Opéra Louisiane and the Manship Theatre. He also held conducting and leadership roles with community ensembles and churches, directing youth, adult, and handbell choirs and planning liturgical music for a range of worship experiences.

A promoter of new music, Smith recently conducted the Interlochen Arts Academy Choir alongside composer Reena Esmail and harpist Yolanda Kondonassis in the premiere of a reimagined version of Esmail's Curiosity, later recorded for the Terra Infirma album, released by Azica Records. Alongside his teaching and conducting, Smith continues to perform as a baritone in professional and community settings, work that directly informs his teaching.

Smith holds a Doctor of Musical Arts in Choral Conducting from Michigan State University, where his doctoral document focused on Samuel Barber's Prayers of Kierkegaard. He earned a Master of Music in Choral Conducting and a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from Louisiana State University. His principal teachers include David Rayl, Sandra Snow, Jonathan Reed, Kenneth Fulton, Michael Borowitz, Carlos Riazuelo, Richard Fracker, Dennis Jesse, and Lori Bade.

In the classroom and the rehearsal hall, my goal is to create a safe and welcoming environment for all students to grow in their knowledge of the subject matter and in their respect and appreciation for each other. I believe that the foundation of an excellent choral sound is rooted in healthy vocal production, and I consistently educate and encourage my singers to take ownership of their vocal development and incorporate healthy singing, no matter the genre or style of music. It is my job as a conductor to give the students the tools to take ownership over their musical growth and development.