Smart recently joined the British International School, Phuket as a brass teacher. Before joining BISP, he taught brass instruments in several schools across Thailand and interned as a low-brass teacher at Musikschule Konservatorium Zürich. In addition to teaching, Smart has also performed as a freelance tubist and drummer in both Thailand and Switzerland.

What is your role at BISP, and how do you see yourself connecting with students or parents in this role?

Music plays a unique role in everyone’s life, and as a brass teacher, my goal is to support students in reaching whatever they hope to achieve through their instruments. Whether that means preparing for a professional career, joining bands, performing in talent shows, or simply playing for leisure, I make sure they are on the right track as brass players before moving on to their next step. To do this, I try to communicate with both students and their parents so we can set clear, shared goals. I find that when everyone’s on the same page, students not only make steady progress but also feel supported and motivated to enjoy the process of learning.

What do you enjoy most about working in education?

I’ve always enjoyed seeing my own progress as a musician, but seeing my students grow gives me an even greater sense of accomplishment. It’s rewarding to know I’ve played a role in helping them overcome challenges—whether they’re common ones or unique to each individual.

What attracted you to BISP?

I lived in Phuket for three months in 2020. Although it was a relatively short time, it was long enough for me to build a sense of connection to the island. That’s why, when I saw the opportunity at the well-reputed BISP, I didn’t hesitate to apply, knowing that moving back to Phuket would feel like coming home.

What do you enjoy doing when you’re not working?

I dedicate much of my time to practising, sometimes up to eight hours a day, because I believe musicians and instrumental teachers should always strive for growth. I also enjoy songwriting and working on demos with my rock band, as well as outdoor activities like walking, hiking and trekking—something I’m especially excited to continue in Phuket given its natural surroundings. At the same time, I appreciate downtime at home, whether that’s watching TV or playing video games.

What behaviour or personality trait do you most attribute your success to, and why?

I wouldn’t necessarily call myself ‘successful,’ at least not in the traditional sense, but I do see myself as resilient. Over the years, traits like patience, persistence, humility and open-mindedness have helped me navigate challenges and get through difficult situations. I’ve learned to stay focused, keep moving forward and adapt when things don’t go as planned, which has been just as important as any measure of success.

What advice would you give to your younger self?

I’d tell my younger self to trust my instincts, not fear mistakes, and not take things too seriously—learning comes from trying and enjoying the process.

We’re proud to welcome Smart to our music teaching team and look forward to the energy and expertise he brings to our instrumental programme. If you’d like to take this opportunity and are interested in individual brass lessons, please contact Mrs Reynolds at [email protected] for more information.