Alyson Smith

Hometown: Charlotte, NC

BM in Music Performance (Piano) and BS in Finance with Accounting Concentration

2024

How did you first get interested in music?
I’ve always been interested in music and my parents soon took notice and enrolled me in lessons. Through trial and error, they bought me a violin, guitar, and finally a piano. The last instrument stuck and I had a strange liking to blasting the fifty classical piano greats from my electric piano’s playlist all over the house (to which my mom knew I had a problem and often told me to reduce the volume). Years passed and they got me another piano (of which I cannot reduce the volume and my mom is even more thrilled). Lessons gave me great joy as a child and upon deciding on a major in college, I decided to build upon that foundation with the music major (and finance for overall business savvy). Through college life, I have enjoyed developing skills and learning proper techniques to play pieces I have grown to love. 

What kind of career do you hope to have?
I hope to continue to expand my piano school. Currently, I have a home piano studio where I teach all ages. I dream of a school that teaches theory classes, piano classes, and possibly a choral class as well (much like the classes I have enjoyed at UNC Charlotte). 

What is your favorite thing about the Department of Music?
My favorite thing is that the music department is very friendly and inclusive. I can walk around and know that there will always be someone to talk to. I have also loved working with all of the professors in the music department. 

Do you participate in any community activities or work in the Charlotte arts community? 
My students recently took part in their annual piano recital held at a local church with almost 80 people in attendance! We celebrated this accomplishment with an ice skating party and hot cocoa. 

Can you talk about your experience as a scholarship student?
Being a recipient of a generous music scholarship from Dr. Richard and Janet Conboy, I have been able to study with Dr. Dylan Savage who has shaped my playing immensely. 

When you are not in class, studying, or working, what do you like to do for fun?
I enjoy reading books, cooking picture-worthy meals, and painting. I also love chatting with my mom while sitting on a very specific chair.