Gary Heaton-Smith

Dr. Gary Heaton-Smith (he/him) is an assistant professor of music at Antelope Valley College and a lecturer in the Department of Music at the University of California, Irvine, where he directs percussion studies.

As a percussionist, Heaton-Smith has performed with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Los Angeles Opera, and Paul Simon, among many others, and has appeared extensively as both performer and conductor throughout the United States and Europe. He is also a published composer with works available through GPG Publications and SP Publications.

Heaton-Smith earned a bachelor’s degree in music performance (percussion) and a master’s degree in music composition from California State University, Fresno. He holds a Doctor of Musical Arts in music performance (percussion) from the University of California, Los Angeles.