Dean Smith
I toured Europe, the U.S., and recorded with Captain Beefheart in 1974. A DVD surfaced just a few years ago of an English TV show titled “The Old Grey Whistle Test,” that featured several of my performances with Captain Beefheart. A number of years followed, with short stints as a guitar player for Mark Lindsay and Spencer Davis, then it was “Goodbye L.A.” I returned home to Encinitas, CA and played locally with various bands while developing my songwriting, recording, and producing skills. I recorded a lot; demos for my publisher Criterion and records for myself. I didn’t care whether I had a record deal or not. As it turns out, all I ever wanted to do was make records.
And thank the gods for mostly phasing out record companies and blessing us with world wide internet exposure (most excellent). Also check out my 2005, 10 song album “K Dean Smith,” available now on the CD Baby music store.
These days I gig, write, and record with the band “Rocket Science,” also on CD Baby, founded by legendary songwriter Jack Tempchin ( Eagles “Peaceful Easy Feelin,” “Already Gone,” and more). Also In recent years I have been playing Bass guitar for well known folk artist Tim Flannery. Through the off season, (Tim is 3rd base coach for the San Francisco Giants and a former San Diego Padres player and coach), Tim plays concerts and records until it’s time again for spring training.
More music will be on the way from me soon, stay tuned…
Meet the teachers
Professionals who actually play.
Every teacher at American Music Store is a working musician with deep roots in the Encinitas community. They don’t just teach — they play, gig, and live the music they’re sharing with you.
Many of our teachers have been here for over a decade. A few even started as students in this very store.
- 0+Years experience per teacher
- 0+Years teaching at the store
8
Disciplines offeredALL
Ages and skill levels welcome
Tuition
Simple, straightforward pricing.
Lessons start at $45 per half hour and vary by teacher. Payment is collected monthly to reserve your weekly time slot.
Our teachers are professional musicians — this is how they earn a living. We appreciate you paying on time.
$45
and up
- Payment for the full month is due before the first of each month to reserve your weekly time slot.
- If a scheduled lesson is missed, a makeup must be scheduled within 30 days of payment.
- If a makeup is offered but the student cannot attend, it is considered forfeited.
- Teachers will work with you on makeups for vacations or illness.
- All teachers can use Zoom for online lessons when in-person does not work.
- Individual teachers may have their own policies and flexibility.
Per half hour · varies by teacher
Ready to start playing?
Private lessons for all ages and skill levels. Schedule a session today!