Helen Elise Smith Dett
Helen Elise Smith Dett (born about 1892 – died after 1948) was an American pianist and music educator, the wife of composer Robert Nathaniel Dett. She was the first black graduate of the Damrosch Institute of Musical Art, a precursor of the Juilliard School. Early life. Helen Elise Smith was born in New York City. She graduated from the Damrosch Institute of Musical Art in 1907, the school's first black graduate. Career. Beginning in 1912, Smith was co-founder and co-director of the Martin-Smith Music School in New York City., with violinist David I.  Martin. After marrying in 1916, she moved to Hampton Institute in Virginia, where she taught piano and was frequently featured as an accompanist at concerts and recitals. Later she taught piano at Bennett College. Personal life. Helen Elise Smith married composer and educator R. Nathaniel Dett in 1916. They had two daughters, Helen Dett Noyes and Josephine Dett Gregory. She was widowed when Dett died in 1943.