Guitarist/composer Stan Smith is an assistant professor of music in the Jazz Studies / Music Industry Program at Capital University in Columbus Ohio where he has been the head of the jazz/contemporary guitar curriculum since 1978. He is also on the staff of the National Guitar Workshop. As a guitarist he was a member of the Moacir Santos band in Los Angeles, and as a band leader in Columbus has accompanied various artists such as Ali Ryerson, Mark Vinci and David Amram as well as performing regionally in clubs, concerts, and festivals.

As a composer he has received Fellowship Awards from the Ohio Arts Council and the Greater Columbus Arts Council. Smith's compositions have been performed internationally and recorded by the Columbus Jazz Orchestra, Michael Cox, The Keith Henson Octet, The Afro Rican Ensemble and Spectrum. He is featured as guitarist and composer on Madrugada's self titled CD on the COJAZZ label.

Stan has released several CDs under his own name including "Pathways", "No Discussion" and "Silent Memory". He is the author of Jazz Harmony on the Guitar ? A Linear/Structural Approach published by Hal Leonard.