Growing up in Dallas, TX Tyrone Smith had a strong musical influence from his father, who traveled immensely as a professional pianist. By the age of 13 Tyrone was playing piano and saxophone as well as accompanying his father in the clubs. Raised up on gospel and R&B, by mid teens he was listening to rock, jazz, funk, and hip-hop. Tyrone attended Booker T. Washington High School of the Visual and Performing Arts. While in high school he participated in the jazz combo as well as the R&B ensemble. Studying with great teachers like: Shelly Carol, Roger Boykin, Jim Riggs, Tyrone Smith, Sr., Pat Franklin, and Barry Pierson; Tyrone worked to improve his playing skills throughout his high school career while also earning awards like Downbeat Student awards, NAACP ACT-So winner, Wabash School of Music Scholar and many others. Tyrone moved to New York City to study at The New School University Jazz & Contemporary School. Since then Tyrone Smith has become an accomplished musician/composer and entrepreneur. His credits include: playing/composing for artists such as: Al Jarreau, Reggie Workman, Joss Stone, Erykah Badu, Bernard (Pretty) Purdie, Benny Powell, Lonnie Plaxico, Jimmy Owens, Charlie Persip, and Carlos Santana among many other amazing artists. Not only is Tyrone an outstanding musician, He is a savvy business man. "Music is your own experience, your own thoughts, your wisdom. If you don't live it, it won't come out of your horn. They teach you there's a boundary line to music. But, man, there's no boundary line to art." - Charlie "YardBird" Parker