Coming from Cape Girardeau, Missouri, Nicholas Smentkowski is a multifaceted double bassist. In his time at Southeast Missouri State University he studied under Dr. Sara Edgerton and kept a well-rounded performance diet of early, modern, chamber, and jazz music. In this time he would not only study the double bass but also find his love for early music through the viola da gamba. He would also teach cello and bass through the Southeast Missouri Music Academy and provide master classes for Cape Central High School.

When studying for his masters degree with Paul Sharpe at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts, he developed a firm grasp on double bass technique and pedagogy while maintaining frequent chamber and orchestral performances. Some of the most memorable performances at UNCSA include a production of Leonard Bernstein’s “Mass” and a chamber recital with Rice University professor of oboe Robert Atherholt. His time at UNCSA also saw Mr. Smentkowski working with the organization ArtistCorps where he provided arts instruction through community engagement.

Mr. Smentkowski’s most recent academic pursuits has him studying under George Speed at Florida State University in pursuit of a Doctor of Music degree with a specialization in Early Music Performance. Since his time at Florida State, Mr. Smentkowski has brought his music all over the world; having been invited to audition for the Vienna State Opera, performed with the early music ensemble Incantare, taught with the Italian summer music festival Suoni D’Abruzzo, and maintaining a hearty teaching schedule of cellists and bassists of all ages and skill levels.