cozbia K. Smith iii

"The entire world is only a percussion instrument away!" - Cozbia K. Smith III 

Cozbia K. Smith III is a native of Detroit, Michigan. He graduated from Cass Technical High School, where he was first introduced to the world of percussion. He went on to graduate from Tennessee State University with a B.S. in Music Education and a M. Ed in Educational Administration. While matriculating through Tennessee State, he met Professor Johnny Lee Lane who was giving a clinic at the university. In his 14+ years of classroom experience he has helped over a 100 students earn over 500 full-tuition scholarships for college, many of whom are now college graduates. 

Professor Smith has enjoyed success as a high school band director both in Detroit, Mi and Memphis, TN, winning high school competitions at the local and regional levels. His percussion sections have been known for their uniformity, flare,and creativity, often sweeping the judges and audiences alike off their feet. In 2006 Mr. Smith's band was featured in Detroit's Annual Thanksgiving Day Parade. He has received superior ratings at district festival for concert bands and his students have earned superior ratings at the district and state levels. 

Cozbia is currently pursuing a doctoral degree from the University of Mississippi and is the Director of Bands at Lane College. He enjoys evolving drummers into percussionists. He plans to continue to use Johnny Lee Lane's "Groove Series" equipment. "In order to keep the groove alive, you have to use the best equipment," says Professor Smith. Teaching and presenting tomorrow's leaders the world of percussion is a lifestyle that he enjoys, embraces, and plans to continue for as long as he is blessed to do so.