Carol Schmidt, Adjunct Professor of Piano at Webster University, is a graduate of Webster University, having completed the MM in Jazz Studies/Piano Performance and the BM in Theory/Composition. At Webster University, she teaches classical piano and other music-related courses, and she maintains a very active life as an educator, composer and musical director. Schmidt has served as director of the Webster Jazz Singers, and as a faculty member for the International Summer Jazz Academy in Krakow, Poland. As a current faculty member of the Webster University Jazz Camp, she conducts piano master classes, performs with the Webster University Jazz faculty, and directs a six-person combo.

Most recently, Schmidt was the creative and musical director/performer for the “The French Connection: Impressionist Music and Jazz,” as part of the Jazz at Webster concert series. The performances highlighted the influence of French Impressionist music on American Jazz composition, and featured six Webster pianists, including Daniel Schene and Kim Portnoy.

Schmidt is particularly interested in the music of Thelonious Monk, and has transcribed many of Monk’s compositions and solos. Her composition, “Joie de Vivre,’ composed as a homage to Thelonious Monk, was performed by Ms. Schmidt and her jazz trio, as part of the Concert Series, “The Faculty Composers Concert.” She was also featured on the Webster University Jazz CD, “Jazz Spoken Here, Volume Two” where she recorded “Four in One,” a Monk composition, as a duet with Paul DeMarinis, saxophonist and Director of Jazz Studies. Schmidt is very active in the St. Louis jazz and cabaret scenes, serving frequently as both musical director and musician/performer/composer. For many years, she was the performer/composer and co-leader of the award winning nationally touring group, Jasmine.

Music at First Unity Church — July 2021 

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