Chad Smith

Biography

Chad Smith is a powerhouse saxophonist and elite multi-woodwind specialist whose sound has become a defining force on Broadway, in Hollywood, and on concert stages across the United States. A veteran of Broadway since 2002, he has performed in countless Broadway productions, including Legally Blonde, Follies, A Christmas Story, and the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, and has performed at Wicked since 2008, navigating the bassoon, baritone sax, bass clarinet, clarinet, and flute. Renowned for his versatility and musicianship, he has appeared as a concert soloist and ensemble member with many of America’s premier orchestras and arts organizations, including the Philadelphia Orchestra, Los Angeles Philharmonic, Metropolitan Opera, Festival Orchestra of Lincoln Center, American Ballet Theatre, New York City Ballet, New Jersey Symphony, New York Pops, and Hollywood Bowl Orchestra. His collaborative work, which spans genres and generations, has seen him share the stage with legendary artists such as Tony Bennett, Aretha Franklin, Ray Charles, Paquito D’Rivera, Arturo Sandoval, Lady Gaga, Bernadette Peters, Audra McDonald, and The Temptations. 
A sought-after studio musician since 2012, Chad Smith has played on major film, television, and streaming projects for Disney, Pixar, Lucasfilm, Netflix, and others, notably Toy Story 5, Minions 3, The Devil Wears Prada 2, The Secret Life of Pets 2, Star Wars: The Last Jedi, West Side Story, Ted 2, Monsters University, Lilo & Stitch, Focker In-Law, The Informant!, and The Wizard of Oz (Sphere, Las Vegas). You can hear him on The Simpsons, Family Guy, American Dad, Ted, Star Trek, Schmigadoon!, and Mid-Century Modern. He has also been a part of the orchestras for the Academy and Tony Awards. 
Committed to education and artistic leadership, Chad Smith is an Adjunct Professor of Saxophone at Montclair State University and founder and director of its Masters in Multiple Woodwinds program. In 2024, he founded the Montclair State Broadway Repertory Ensemble and the Broadway Institute for up-and-coming Broadway and commercial musicians. He is the creator of SAX-O-PHILM: Sounds and Sights of the 20’s, and as a frequent clinician and guest lecturer has made an appearance at the World Saxophone Congress in Strasbourg, among others. He holds a B.S. in Music Education from West Chester University and an M.M. in Saxophone and Multiple Woodwind Performance from the Eastman School of Music. Chad Smith is a Selmer Artist and D’Addario Clinician, and performs on the gold-plated saxophones of his mentors Al Gallodoro and Ted Hegvik. 
 

Research

I specialize in teaching the saxophone and woodwinds in private lesson and chamber settings. My approach to saxophone instruction is diverse as it encompasses classical, commercial and jazz genres. I am the conductor/music director of the Montclair State Broadway Repertory Ensemble which meets weekly and prepares a concert each semester.

Saxophobia: Celebrating the Sax Craze of the 1920s

Premiere album featuring Chad Smith (saxophones) and the Sinfonia of London with music direction by John Wilson. Other musicians featured are Mikaela Bennett (vocals), Lynette Wardle (harp), and Dalton Ridenhour (piano) The recording will be available in July, 2026 on Chandos Records and will be streamed on all platforms.

Summit Records- Orchestral Pro Series- Classical Saxophone excerpts

This album explores the most performed saxophone excerpts in the repertoire. Spoken commentary and performance of the excerpts is demonstrated. This recording will be available on Summit Records and all streaming platforms in the Fall of 2026.