Connect with Your Inner Melody
ANDREW SCHNEIDER
Vocal Coach - Collaborative Pianist - Composer - Conductor
BIOGRAPHY
A native of Houston, ANDREW SCHNEIDER is a pianist and vocal coach whose virtuosic technique and interpretative daring has cemented his reputation among clients as a fearless musician. His extensive collaborative activity encompasses early music, standard operatic and art song repertoire, as well as contemporary music. Proficient in Italian, German, French, Latin - and especially adept in less frequently encountered languages, such as Russian - Andrew enjoys using his considerable linguistic skill to help make challenging texts accessible to his clients. Andrew’s wide ranging musical activities also includes harpsichord and organ performance, composition, and conducting.
Andrew holds a B.Mus., summa cum laude, in music composition from Rice University, and in 2009, was a finalist in the ASCAP Morton Gould Young Composers Competition. Since 2012, Andrew has been regularly employed as a church organist around Houston; he has also functioned as a staff accompanist at Lone Star College Kingwood and Houston Community College since 2014. Andrew has frequently played harpsichord continuo, including for Mercury Houston and for period-instrument chamber ensemble La Speranza, as well as with the Lawson Ensemble in Jacksonville, Florida, for performances of Handel’s Messiah and Monteverdi’s 1610 Vespers under Cara Tasher. Other ensembles have included the San Antonio Symphony, the Kingwood Chorale, and the Woodlands Chorale. He has also played piano for several chamber and vocal performances with the Texas New Music Ensemble, including in touring performances at SFA University, Nacogdoches.
For Mercury Houston, a period instrument ensemble, Andrew regularly plays harpsichord continuo, and has participated in several performances for the Houston Early Music Festival. As a continuo player, Andrew has also played Handel’s Messiah with the San Antonio Symphony and the Kingwood Chorale, as well as Haydn’s Creationwith the Woodlands Chorale.
More recent highlights have included a summer 2021 concert of Polish vocal and piano music sponsored by the Consulate of the Republic of Poland, Houston, and the kickoff concert of the French Cultures Festival sponsored by the Consulate of the French Republic, Houston.
In the field of opera, Andrew has served as music director for a production of Sweeney Todd and has coached Ariadne auf Naxos for the Kingwood Summer Opera. Andrew has also served as music director for Lone Star Lyric Theatre's production of Victor Herbert's Madeleine, and rehearsal pianist for the Houston Gilbert and Sullivan Society's production of A Topsy Turvy Mikado. Other operas Andrew has coached include Rita, L’heure espagnole, L’italiana in Algeri, and La scala di seta and Zanetto for Operativo Houston, as well as Hansel and Gretel. For a 2016 Pittsburgh production, Andrew also coached the leading role in Die schweigsame Frau. Recently, Andrew has worked with HGOco, Houston Grand Opera's community outreach initiative, to assist in coaching singers for performances of Kamala Sankaram's Monkey and Francine in the City of Tigers, Mary Carol Warwick's Cinderella in Spain and Donizetti's The Elixir of Love.
In his spare moments, Andrew enjoys history, literature, linguistics, cartography, and mystery novels, all interests upon which he is apt to draw for his renowned store of indelible anecdotes.
Vocal Coach
Whether his services are needed to assist advanced vocalists in understanding and naturally inhabiting roles from the standard operatic repertoire (and beyond), or whether he might be called upon to help relative vocal beginners navigate standard pieces' common pitfalls, Andrew is entirely at ease in assisting singers, with a particular reputation for being at home with difficult orchestral reductions of many sorts, especially those which are rhythmically complex.
Collaborative Keyboardist
Andrew is in his element working with several kinds of instruments and voices. With keyboard repertoire ranging from Baroque continuo sonatas and orchestral music (on harpsichord), to Romantic and modern chamber music, to church choir music (on organ, where he takes delight in supporting ensembles in addition to playing solo repertoire), to several world premieres, there is no challenge in this arena that Andrew will not devote all his effort to tackling, in the quest of creating cohesive interpretations of masterworks both well-known and obscure.
Composing and Arranging
Andrew delights in writing music in a wide variety of forms and for a wide variety of instrumental and vocal combinations. Through his music, his predilection for meticulous craftsmanship, structural coherence, and the aspects of tradition that have stood the test of time is readily discernible, though not without the occasional touch of spontaneous originality. He especially loves writing music which is satisfying for performers to learn and play, in which the learning curve presents principally those difficulties which merit the adjectives "exigent" and "rewarding."
Conducting
Andrew devotes a great deal of his energy and times to honing his skills in communicating to ensembles his interpretations of both repertoire music and his own works, especially in the hopes of helping fellow composer colleagues achieve a wider audience. As said in other places on this website, he enjoys a challenge, and welcomes inquiries in this regard from composers who have recently-written ensemble, choral, or orchestral works.
Translations
As a linguist by hobby, Andrew is intrigued by the potential uses of his skills in the musical world. He specializes in Romance languages and German, but is always keen to expand his horizons in less frequently encountered tongues. Several of his translations of arias and songs can be seen on Lieder.net.
Whispering Fragrance
Andrew can be heard on the newly released album Whispering Fragrance, a collection of chamber music by the composer Stephen Yip. Currently available to purchase and stream, Andrew plays piano on the tracks In Seventh Heaven and Tranquility in Consonance.
As an early endeavour in my journey into appreciation of Slavic languages in my work, I present my newly composed Ave Maria, written to the Polish translation of this prayer. This piece is perfectly singable in Latin also; the music has been specifically designed to work with either. Score available for purchase HERE.
Soprano Elizabeth Gautsche and collaborative keyboardist Andrew Schneider perform music by Dvorak, Martinu, and Korngold at the Czech Center Museum in Houston, Texas.
EVENTS
Texas New Music Ensemble's Composer's Concert
August 16, 2018, 7:30 PM
Midtown Arts & Theater Center Houston (MATCH)
Houston, Texas
Dvorak Piano Trio No. 4
September 28, 2018, 7:30 PM
Clear Lake United Methodist Church
Clear Lake, Texas
Recital with Bass-Baritone Christopher Besch
January 11, 2019, 7:30 PM
Lone Star College
Cyfair, Texas
Performance with La Speranza
January 26, 2019, 7:30 PM
First Evangelical Lutheran Church
Houston, Texas
A Concert of Texas Composers
February 21, 2019, 6:00 PM
Stephen F. Austin University in Nacogdoches
Nacogdoches, Texas
Performance with the Piping Rock Singers
February 23, 2019, 7:30 PM
The Cathedral of Our Lady of Walsingham
Houston, Texas
Performance to include the concert premiere of the motet, "Ego sum panis vivus" composed by Andrew Schneider.
Faculty and Guest Concert of Vocal Selections
February 26, 2019, 7:30 PM
Houston Community College-Stafford
Stafford, Texas
Texas New Music Ensemble Spring Composers Spotlight Concert
March 7, 2019, 7:30 PM
MATCH - Midtown Arts & Theater Center Houston
Houston, Texas
Performance with the Chamber Singers of the University of North Florida
April 6, 2019, 3:00 PM
St. Paul's by the Sea Episcopal Church
Jacksonville, Florida
Monteverdi's 1610 Vespers
Andrew Schneider, harpsichord
Faculty Concert
April 8, 2019, 7:00 PM
San Jacinto College-Central Campus
San Jacinto, Texas
Performance of "Afro-American Suite" by Undine Smith Moore
SCI Region VI Conference
April 11, 2019, 7:30 PM
Texas A&M University
Commerce, Texas
Premiere performance of "Les Exuberants," Op. 11, duo for oboe and clarinet, composed by Andrew Schneider
Selections from the Bruch Eight Pieces
April 22, 2019, 7:15 PM
Southern Methodist University
Dallas, Texas
Featuring Celeste Markey, clarinet, and Hannah Martineau, viola
Performance with Houston Community College Choir
May 2, 2019, 7:30 PM
Christ Church Cathedral
Houston,TX
Performance of John Rutter's Requiem
Czech Art Songs and Piano Music
May 11, 2019, 7:00 PM
Houston Czech Cultural Center
Houston, Texas
Performance with soprano Elizabeth Gautsche featuring music by Dvorak, Martinu, and Korngold
Performances of Victor Herbert's Madeleine
June 21, 2019, 8:00 PM
June 22, 2019, 8:00 PM
June 23, 2019, 5:00 PM
MATCH - Midtown Arts & Theatre Center Houston
Houston, Texas
Andrew Schneider, Music Director and Accompanist
Texas New Music Ensemble
August 22, 2019, 7:30 PM
Program to include "White Water" for Piano by Stephen Lias and "Alabama and American Sketches III" for Piano Four-Hands by Jefferson Todd Frasier
Opera on Tap
September 7, 2019, 9:00 PM
Notsuch
Houston, Texas
Performance with La Speranza
September 28, 2019, 5:00 PM
First Evangelical Lutheran Church
Houston, Texas
A Concert of Italian Baroque Trio Sonatas
Texas New Music Ensemble Voice Recital
November 7, 2019, 7:30 PM
MATCH - Midtown Arts & Theatre Center Houston
Houston, Texas
With Soprano Julia Fox
Texas New Music Ensemble Voice Recital
November 9, 2019, 1:00 PM
Stephen F. Austin State University, Cole Concert Hall
Nacogdoches, Texas
With Soprano Julia Fox
Performance with the Brazosport Symphony Orchestra
December 14, 2019, 7:30 PM
The Clarion at Brazosport College
Clute, Texas
Opera on Tap: Valentine's Day Show
February 14, 2020, 7:00 PM
Envy Wine Room
Spring, Texas
Andrew Schneider plays with Opera on Tap Houston singers in a program of especially schmaltzy opera selections
Mercury Houston
Schubert's Winterreise
February 15, 2020, 8:00 PM
Wortham Center,
Houston, Texas
Orchestrated for strings by Antoine Plante with stage direction by Denis Plante and featuring tenor Nicholas Phan. Andrew Schneider is the rehearsal pianist for this production
Texas New Music Ensemble:
Spring 2020 Composer Spotlight Concert
March 20, 2020, 7:00 PM
MATCH - Midtown Arts & Theatre Center
Houston, Texas
Andrew Schneider plays piano on the Peter Lieuwen Rhapsody with Joanna Becker, violin; Peter Lieuwen Bright River with Celeste Markey, clarinet; and Peter Lieuwen Gulfstream with the above players and Ariana Nelson, cello.
Postponed Due to the Covid-19 Pandemic
Texas New Music Ensemble
Guest Ensemble at SCI 2020 National Conference
March 27, 2020, 8:00 PM
University of Texas at Arlington
Arlington, Texas
Andrew Schneider plays piano with Texas New Music Ensemble in a program of works for piano trio and various mixed ensembles:
Paul Novak: glimmer songs
Kyong Mee Choi: Rippled Pond
Chin Ting Chan: Icebergs
Jonathan Newmark: Secret Atop the Bluff
Emily Joy Sullivan: Dangerous Curves Ahead
Paul Osterfield: Quicksilver
Sam Wu: Monarch
Luke Dahn: The Impeded Stream is the one that Sings
Ben Robichaux: Innocent Machine
Postponed Due to the Covid-19 Pandemic
Seven Last Words of Christ by Michael John Trotta
(Live Stream Event)
April 6, 2020, 6:00 PM (CST)
Mary Queen Catholic Church
Friendswood, Texas
Performance of Les Exubérants
April 16, 2020, 7:00 PM
Tarrant County Community College
Fort Worth, Texas
An original composition by Andrew Schneider performed by Celeste Markey, clarinet,
and Audrey Yu, oboe.
Postponed Due to the Covid-19 Pandemic
Houston Gilbert and Sullivan Society
The Yeomen of the Guard
June 20 and 27, 2020, 7:00 PM
June 21 and 28, 2020, 2:30 PM
Hobby Center, Zilkha Hall
Houston, Texas
Andrew Schneider is rehearsal accompanist for this production
Postponed Due the COVID-19 Pandemic
Bach at The Clarion
Saturday, March 27, 2021, 7:30 PM
The Clarion
Lake Jackson, Texas
Performance with the Brazosport Symphony Orchestra
Polish Song Concert
June 5, 2021, 6:00 PM
St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church
Houston, Texas
Matilda Smolij, mezzosoprano | Andrew Schneider, piano
Concert of art songs and solo piano music by Chopin, Bacewicz, Karłowicz, Paderewski, and Moniuszko
Sponsored by the Polish Consulate of Houston
Live Stream Available HERE
Pietro Mascagni: Zanetto
Friday, November 5, 2021, 7:30 PM
Garza Studios
Houston, Texas
Saturday, November 6, 2021, 7:30 PM
Garza Studios
Houston, Texas
Performances with Operativo Houston
A Cole Porter Valentine’s Soirée
With Pianist Andrew Schneider
Monday, February 14, 2022, 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Fratelli's Ristorante
Houston, Texas
With Shannon Zamora
2022 French Cultures Festival Kick-Off Concert: Recital Of French-Language Song
With Theodora Cottarel, Soprano
Tuesday, March 8, 2022, 6:00 PM
University of Houston, Dudley Recital Hall, Moores School of Music
Houston, Texas
Works by Debussy, Fauré, Satie, Saint-Saëns, Graciane Finzi, Carmen Brouard, and Peter Benoit.
Part of the French Cultures Festival, in conjunction with the Blaffer Art Museum's exhibition, Noctambules, the work of Caroline Mesquita.
Under the auspices of the Consulate General of France in Houston.
Refresh: The Joy Of The Classical Arts
A Concert Presented By City Church
Arts Alliance
March 23, 2022, 7:00 PM
Match | Midtown Arts & Theater Center Houston
Houston, Texas
Featuring Andrew Schneider, Sarah Langbein Lee, and Zachary Barba
in Benjamin Britten's Canticle II, Op. 51: "Abraham and Isaac"
More Information HERE
World Premiere Opera Commission
"Happy Endings"
Friday, June 24, 2022, 8:00 PM
Saturday, June 25, 2022, 8:00 PM
Sunday, June 26, 2022, 5:00 PM
Match | Midtown Arts & Theater Center Houston
Houston, Texas
Lone Star Lyric presents, "Happy Endings" - a Ludicrous Singspiel in One Scene by
Kelli Estes and Andrew Schneider
Houston Gilbert And Sullivan Society
- Hms Pinafore -
Saturday, July 23, 2022, 8:00 PM
Sunday July 24, 2022, 2:30 PM
Saturday July 30, 8:00 PM
Sunday July 31, 2:30 PM
Zilkha Hall, Hobby Center for the Performing Arts
Houston, Texas