Peter Smith was born in South London, where he still lives. He attended Raynes Park Grammar (now High) School, and Trinity College of Music, where he was a Junior Exhibitioner. His education continued at Sidney Sussex College, Cambridge, where he read Modern Languages and Music; his music teachers included David Willcocks, Richard Marlow, Philip Radcliffe, and Peter Tranchell. 

He spent most of his adult life working as an accountant, and his career included spells at the Royal Opera House, the Royal College of Art, and as Finance Director of a charity run by the Freemasons (though not a Mason himself). He retired in 2016. In 2019, he became Treasurer of the Elgar Society.

In 1976, he founded what is now Wimbledon Chamber Choir, of which he is still the conductor. During its existence, the choir has performed a huge variety of music, both with and without accompaniment, including a number of Peter's own compositions. In 2016, the choir celebrated its 40th anniversary with performances of Tallis's 40-part motet Spem in Alium.

Peter Smith is also an organist, and plays the T. C. Lewis organ in Christ Church, Clapham.  He is married with one daughter and three cats.

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