The Choirs and Music Staff
First UMC has a rich history with its music program. Dr. James Smith, Director of Music for over 60 years, has held innumerable Concerts, musicals, Summer Sings, Saturday Recitals. And most especially fifty years of Sundays on which God is praised through music in ways that touch our hearts and stir our souls!
Along the way, Jim has supported countless musicians, restored and tuned innumerable pianos, overseen the development and maintenance of our organ, and added a grand piano to the mix. He has worked with talented vocalists and composers. His music has delighted the hearts of many throughout the community. But to my mind, most praiseworthy of all is his ability to make ordinary folks sound and feel like God’s own heavenly choir, coaxing gorgeous music from mere mortals week in and week out, all to the praise and glory of God.
New! September 2026: Saturday In-Person and Livestreamed Recitals
First UMC of Santa Monica is excited to announce the return of our in-person recital series! Presented by Dr. James E. Smith, First UMC Music Director, these free recitals take place one Saturday each month at 1 p.m., with doors opening at 12:45 p.m. A reception follows.
If you can’t join us in person, you can also watch the recital via livestream during the performance or anytime afterward:
The First UMC App: (App Store, search FirstUMC_SM)
Website: www.santamonicaumc.org/livestream
Facebook: @santamonicaumc
YouTube: @SantaMonicaUMC
Director of Music Ministry – Dr. James E. Smith
Organist – Ty Woodward
Chancel Choir – Dr. James Smith, Director
For Adults: Meets at 7:40 p.m. on Thursdays (with a break during the Summer). The Chancel Choir provides music every Sunday during the 10 a.m. Sanctuary Worship Service and presents major concerts in December and in the Spring.
Come make music with us!
For more information, call the church office (310) 393-8258.
The First UMC Organ: Click here to read the specifications of the organ