Smith Competition

Walt Smith was a well-known jazz piano player on the Western Slope of Colorado as well as all over the world with many jazz players and bands. He loved playing the piano and sharing his joy of music with others. Leon Uris and Walt collaborated on the music for a Broadway musical based on Uris’s book, Exodus. He has played at many jazz festivals including the Telluride jazz festival and Sacramento Jazz Jubilee. In 2023, he was inducted into the Aspen Hall of Fame. He always ended his concerts with the song Smile, which pretty much sums him up. He was sweet, kind and humble.

The Walt Smith Scholarship Competition was established to support CMU students in their love of music. He was a lifelong champion of the arts and this scholarship honors his legacy. This scholarship is for jazz and commercial/pop students. Successful applicants will be invited to perform at the Smith Competition Concert on Monday, April 20, 2026, 7:00 pm at Colorado Mesa University’s Love Recital Hall. The winner will receive a cash prize of $1200 and will give a public recital.

The Deadline to apply is March 27th.