Henry Scott Smith is a violinist from Rochester, NY. His work focuses on using the violin as a means for greater self-understanding, discipline, mindfulness, and personal transformation at all stages of life and learning.

He holds a Bachelor’s of Music in Violin Performance and a Master’s of Business Administration from Ithaca College, where he studied with Susan Waterbury, Kirsten Marshall, and Calvin Wiersma and completed an array of coursework in music education. He has also studied Irish fiddle with Rose Flanagan, Brian Conway, and Nathan Gourley.

Henry studied Suzuki Method pedagogy principally under Carrie Reuning-Hummel as a long-term apprentice and is a certified teacher of Alice Kanack’s Creative Ability Development Method. He has also studied pedagogy with Edward Kreitman, Judy Bossuat-Gallic, and Teri Einfeldt.

Henry has previously played for the Binghamton Philharmonic Orchestra, the Catskills Symphony Orchestra, the Tri-Cities Opera Company, and the Orchestra of the Southern Finger Lakes. Today, he is the music director and fiddler for the Irish Lassies, a six-piece Irish-American folk group hailed as “brilliantly demonstrat[ing] that Celtic music has a rightful place in North America.” He also performs and records as a vocalist and improviser extraordinaire with a variety of pop, rock, jazz, and alternative acts in Rochester and throughout Upstate New York.

His recorded work includes fiddle and vocal credits on the Irish Lassies’ 2025 album Immigration Stories, string parts on Eric Matthews’ 2025 album Folk Songs for Fairy Tales, Vol. 1, and backup strings on the Great Bear Trio’s 2016 album Magic Fantasy Dream Dance. He is presently recording for upcoming albums to be released in 2026 and 2027.

A man with curly hair and a beard playing a violin onstage against a black background.

Biography

Mission

Many music students go on to become doctors or biochemical engineers or business administrators. Some music students go on to enter the music industry in the sector which suits them best, whether that be education, copyright, performing, production, or something else. It is my belief that someone who likes to play will learn everything they need to know about the world through their dedication to music.

My mission is to guide each student into strong, competent ability of the kind that sets a pattern for the rest of their lives: abilities to work hard, to be kind, and to lead. Above all, I wish to help them recognize and embody beauty itself.

It is my deepest hope that this makes our world a better place to live.

Recommended Reading

  • A book cover with the words "Ability Development From Age Zero by Shinichi Suzuki, translated by Mary Louise Nagata, published by Suzuki Method International."

    Ability Development From Age Zero

    A short, pithy distillation of the Suzuki philosophy. It’s everything about the nature of music, education, and experience of being a child. I prefer this book to the more historically oriented “Nurtured By Love,” which is also very good.

  • A book cover titled "Teaching from the Balance Point" alongside an illustration showing a violin and bow.

    Teaching From the Balance Point

    Nothing beats Ed Kreitman’s roadmap. This book gives you a long-term vision for where we are going together with your student. Often, the daily practice grind means we need a reminder of what we’re trying to accomplish.