guitar • plucked‑strings

producer • educator

recording • performing artist

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doctor of musical arts

founder • the pluck

member • recording academy

The Dialogue • GS Duo • Galestro Records

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Contact

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TL;DR

Versatile guitarist and multi-instrumentalist proficient in many genres and styles. Classically trained. Performs in musicals, with orchestras, and on tours. Tone crafter, tech mind, and sensitive soul. Performing and recording artist, engineer, and producer. Excited to create and collaborate.

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Bio

Dr. Jonathan Smith is a guitarist, producer, and composer known for his excellence across genres including classical, jazz, pop, rock, and blues. A versatile and sought-after collaborator, Jonathan has earned top honors at competitions such as the Wilson Guitar Festival, Appalachian GuitarFest, James Stroud All-Ohio Guitar Competition, and Southern Guitar Festival.

Whether performing lead guitar in the 5-piece original band The Dialogue or classical guitar with the award-winning flute and guitar ensemble GS Duo, Jonathan’s performances connect deeply with audiences around the world. His instrumental range spans banjo, mandolin, ukulele, lap steel, electric, and steel-string guitars, allowing him to contribute to a wide range of musical productions.

Beyond performance, Jonathan is a passionate educator. Drawing from years of experience and mentorship, he has developed a unique teaching approach that merges classical fundamentals with modern techniques, preparing students for today’s music industry.

Jonathan holds degrees from Stetson University, The University of Akron, and Shenandoah University. He is the Chief Operating Officer of Galestro Records, where he oversees operations, strategy, and production. In addition, Jonathan is a voting member for the Recording Academy. As the founder of The Pluck — a podcast and media platform exploring music production, composition, and performance for plucked string instruments — he is also an active voice in the broader creative community. With an entrepreneurial mindset and creative vision, he continues to shape the future of independent music.

Jonathan’s career reflects a lifelong commitment to artistry, innovation, and meaningful collaboration in the musical arts.

Solo / Samples

GS Duo / Flute & Guitar

The Dialogue / Pop Rock Band

Run Rhino / Prog Rock (Retired)

The Pluck / The place for all things plucked strings