Ken Smith studied with Marcel Moyse, Geoffrey Gilbert, James Galway and more recently, Aurele Nicolet. He began his career with the now defunct BBC Training Orchestra, joining the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra in 1973. During this time he was a member of the Canzona Wind Quintet, an active group who frequently broadcast here and abroad.

In 1983, he moved to the Philharmonia as principal flute, since when he has performed and recorded much of the orchestral and operatic repertoire. Recent solo CDs include the Mozart concerto for Flute and Harp with Sinopoli and Brandenburg 2 with Maurice Andre and Muti. He remains an active chamber music player - in 2000 he  completed a series of recitals for wind and piano on the South Bank of London.