Mike Smith studied piano and composition with Christopher Edmunds of Birmingham before reading English and Music at Downing College, Cambridge, gaining his doctorate in 1976. He worked in academic research, local government and bibliography before joining the staff of King Edward VI College, Stourbridge, in 1987, becoming Director of Music there ten years later. Since 'retirement in 2000 he has been active as a pianist, piano teacher, composer and writer (on botany and railways, as well as music). His research interests are in English music, mainly Byrd and Elgar, and in the relationship between words and music in song.

In 2001 Mike, with Trevor Jones, was joint founder of Local & Live.