Jared Schonig

Born 1983 in Los Angeles, CA to a family of professional musicians, Jared Schonig began playing the piano at age 5 and the drums at age 14. While a young student in Los Angeles, Jared had numerous opportunities to perform professionally and with various all-star bands, and won 4 Downbeat Student Music Awards, including a “Best Soloist” award during his senior year of high school. Jared attended the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, NY, during which time he received 3 more Downbeat Student Music Awards (including “Best Soloist” and “Top Collegiate Combo”) before receiving his BA in 2005. While still a student, Jared also performed with vibraphonist Joe Locke and Dr. Lonnie Smith at the Rochester International Jazz Festival, among other venues.