Darshell DuBose-Smith received a Departmental Honor for her independent study on the progression of Jazz piano from Lycoming College where she graduated with honors. She continued her studies and graduated with a Masters Degree in Music History from Rutgers. Ms. DuBose-Smith began teaching piano performance at several music studios in New Jersey; she built her own studio and developed a music curriculum for the Juvenile Justice Commission and acquired State Certification and a teaching contract. Currently Ms. DuBose-Smith teaches music notation, performance, history, composition, music analysis and music appreciation at three Juvenile Justice Commission facilities. Ms. DuBose-Smith and her husband Frederick have a daughter, Diarra Grace.