Biography of Craig Schneider

Born in Canberra, Australia Craig studied classical piano with Arthur Denereaz from the age of eight before discovering jazz in his teens. Craig graduated from the Canberra School of Music as the first Bachelor of Music in Jazz, also winning the Friends' Prize as the most outstanding graduate. He then completed his Master's Degree in Jazz Performance and Arranging and Composition – the first degree of its kind in Australia. Shortly after graduation he performed in London with Marion Montgomery at Pizza on the Park, and also played in Chicago and New York.

In 1995 Craig released his first CD, Craig Schneider, which features several Schneider originals plus jazz standards. This was followed by the all-Gershwin album 'S Wonderful – Craig Schneider's Gershwin and The Start of Something Big, featuring his big band the Kings of Swing.

Currently based in London, Craig has appeared at jazz venues such as Pizza Express Jazz Club, 606 Club, Octave, the Spice of Life, Chelsea Arts Club and the National Theatre. He has been Musical Director of the West End show The Rat Pack, Live From Las Vegas.

Newmarket Music released Craig’s album, Swing Still Works For Me, which has already earned critics accolades. It features 13 foot-tapping classics from the swing era as well as the original title track, performed by his swinging seven-piece band.

His latest album, TRIO, features eight original compositions performed by his current trio with Jonty Fisher on bass and fellow Australian, Darryn Farrugia on drums.