05/13/2026
It is with a deep sense of grief and aching hearts that we share the untimely passing of our dear friend and colleague, Mark Smythe. To say that his loss comes as a profound shock to our community, especially to his students, collaborators, and friends, is an understatement.
Mark was a gifted musician, composer, educator, mentor, and a pillar of the SCL for many years. He served as the SCL’s Chief Operating Officer from 2018-2021, after previously serving as Los Angeles Administrator, helping guide the organization through a significant period of growth and change. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Mark led the rapid transition of the SCL’s live programming into more than 90 virtual events, making the SCL one of the first organizations to embrace virtual programming. Many of the procedures Mark implemented during his tenure not only streamlined our operations at the time, but remain integral to how the SCL functions today. Even after moving on from his position as COO, Mark remained involved through the many interviews he conducted for The Score magazine.
Born in New Zealand in 1972, Mark spent a period in Australia, where he completed his MA in Screen Music at AFTRS in Sydney, then moved to Melbourne, where he worked as Legal Liaison for APRA AMCOS. He eventually moved to Los Angeles in 2013, where he went on to receive critical acclaim and numerous accolades, including nominations in the SCL and World Soundtrack Awards for his score to the shark thriller The Reef: Stalked. Many of us recall the inspired campaign he mounted for the 4th SCL Awards, telling everyone to “Vote Mark, Vote Shark!” He was also a three-time Hollywood Music in Media Award nominee for his scores for the films Unfallen and Flying South, and the short film The Things She Did. In 2012, he won the Australian Screen Industry Network Award for Best Composer for his score for the film Daddy’s Little Girl.
In addition to his own scoring projects, Mark cared deeply about fostering the next generation of composers. At the time of his death, he was serving as Media Composition Professor at California State University, Northridge, and Department Head of Composing for Visual Media at the Los Angeles College of Music. He previously taught at UCLA Extension and JMC Academy in Australia, and participated as a panelist in multiple SCL seminars. Many composers in our community had the privilege of learning from Mark, and remember him not only as a great teacher, but as someone who believed in them personally.
In recent years, Mark had also been devoting increasing attention to his concert and choral works, which were receiving growing recognition. He collaborated with the LA Choral Lab on several projects, and also workshopped new music for strings and electric guitar at The Night Temple.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, people genuinely enjoyed Mark's company, as evidenced by the current outpouring of love for him on social media. He had a wry sense of humor and an infectious laugh that could light up a room. Exceptionally generous with his time and energy, he had a way of making everyone feel welcome, whether they were longtime SCL members or attending their initial event. For many, Mark was the first friend they made at the SCL. Those who knew Mark will never forget being greeted with his favorite line: “I’m all the better for seeing your smiling face.”
Mark, the SCL owes you a great deal and will forever be indebted to you for your service. Your kindness, friendship, and iconic jokes have left a lasting impact on all of us, and we are fortunate to have had you in our lives. Rest in peace, dear friend.
Ashley Irwin
SCL President
