BIOGRAPHY

Despite playing an instrument typically relegated to classical music, Will Schneider has become an in-demand performer based in Northwest Ohio actively performing in modern jazz settings as both a bandleader and sideman. Although he has performed across the Midwest, Schneider can most frequently be found in Toledo where he has become a fixture of the local music community, helping maintain a jam session currently hosted at The Golden Road (previously Ottawa Tavern) since 2021 and making appearances with non-jazz groups including working with local rock bands such as NuAudio, Arctic Clam, Katie’s Randy Cat and the Klondike Steamboat Band. Amongst his major efforts include performing and recording with the late Kimathi Asante (founding member of the Pyramids).

In addition to his work in improvised music, since 2012 Schneider has also performed in more traditional settings including orchestras, pit orchestras and chamber ensembles throughout Michigan and Ohio. Most notably, Schneider performed with the Johnny Mathis orchestra in 2025 just before the legendary singer’s retirement.

A dedicated educator, Schneider has over a decade of experience in instructing horn, composition and improvisation, has adjudicated at high school jazz festivals and been a guest artist at colleges. Schneider has also served as a band director, teaching grades 5th through 12th prior to leaving public education to focus on performing.

Schneider earned both his masters degrees in Jazz Studies and Performance respectively from Bowling Green State University (Bowling Green, OH) under the tutelage of David Bixler and Dr. Andrew Pelletier. During his time in graduate studies Schneider co-founded the Third Shore Collective, a group of composers and improvisers dedicated to working with materials designed for improvisers both inside and outside the jazz idioms. In the summer of 2021, Schneider presented the Third Shore Collective at the International Horn Symposium. Schneider also earned his Bachelors degree at Central Michigan University (Mount Pleasant, MI) studying with Dr. Bruce Bonnell.