What is happening now?
First, hear and see what needs attention.
Guitarist, composer, guitar teacher
Perform.
Listen.
Pass it on.
I am Silvan de Smit. As a guitarist, composer and guitar teacher, I bring performing, creating and teaching together. My work is grounded in attention to sound, technique and musical expression.
Biography
The guitar as a constant thread
I grew up in the Netherlands, in an environment where music was a natural presence. I started playing guitar at an early age. What began as curiosity about the instrument developed into a lasting search for sound, technique and expression.
That search led me to the Conservatorium van Amsterdam, where I completed a master's degree in classical guitar. There I developed a strong technical foundation and learned to explore repertoire with close attention.
Performing and teaching are not separate worlds. Each keeps the other sharp.
Today I combine performing with a daily teaching practice. What I learn on stage about preparation, concentration and musical choices feeds directly into my lessons. Working with students keeps bringing me back to the essentials: listening carefully, understanding clearly and moving forward with purpose.
On stage
A story without words
As a guitarist, I focus on the classical repertoire and on programmes shaped by colour, contrast and a clear musical line.
Het Concertgebouw
Muziekgebouw Eindhoven
Theater Ludens
Parkvilla Alphen
Theater Castellum
Gitaarfestival Enkhuizen
Gitaarsalon
Churches on Texel
In the teaching studio
Personal teaching, with room for different styles
Alongside my private teaching practice, I have worked as a guitar teacher at Muziekschool Krimpen since June 2025, where I currently teach around 25 students. The emphasis is on classical and acoustic guitar, with attention to posture, technique, timing, sound and musical understanding.
The starting point is what each person wants to learn. From there, we identify a practical next step that is technically sound, musically meaningful and clear enough to practise independently at home.
Over the years, I have taught more than 100 students in total.
Why is it happening?
Reduce a problem to something concrete.
What do you practise at home?
A clear assignment and a focused listening point.
Training, performance and teaching
The threads that come together
My work has three clear strands: continuing to develop as a musician, performing, and guiding students in their own musical growth.
Training
Master's degree in classical guitar
Conservatorium van Amsterdam
Stage
Performing guitarist
Recitals and performances in concert halls, theatres and churches
Private studio
Guitar teacher in Alphen
Personal guidance shaped by level and goal
Since June 2025
Guitar teacher at Muziekschool Krimpen
Currently around 25 students, mainly classical and acoustic guitar
Continue exploring
Listen to the music or start playing yourself?
Watch my studio films and performances, or read about my guitar lessons in Alphen aan den Rijn.