Bio
Drummer and composer Jared Schonig was born in Los Angeles on August 12, 1983. His parents, both professional musicians, encouraged him at an early age to take up the piano. After studying classical piano for 11 years he decided to switch to the drums (his fathers instrument) during his first year of high school.
Jared attended the prestigious Hamilton Academy of Music in Los Angeles, CA, where he was surrounded by some of the best student musicians in the country. Studying with Jerry Kalaf, Jared soon became the schools "A" band drummer and was performing with George Duke, Eric Marienthal, Bobby Rodriguez, and a number of All-County and City honor groups. During his three years at Hamilton, Jared was the recipient of 4 Downbeat Student Music Awards, including a "Best Soloist" honor his senior year, in 2001.
After receiving scholarships to attend a number of different universities, Jared decided it was best to head out to the East Coast and enroll at the Eastman School of Music. Studying privately with Rich Thompson at the famed university, Jared began to quickly become noted as a new young talent in Rochester. Jared performed with a number of Eastman groups including the Bionic Bones with Fred Wesley and Steve Turre, the Eastman New Jazz Ensemble, Harold Danko's JPW A (Jazz Performance Workshop), and the Eastman Jazz Ensemble under the direction of Bill Dobbins. Jared was also fortunate to work and perform with faculty Jeff Campbell and Clay Jenkins.
During his time at Eastman, Jared won three more Downbeat Student Music Awards; in 2002 for his pseudo-funk/jazz band Groove Brewery and in 2004 for his JPW The Verytall Band," which was recognized as the nations top collegiate combo, as well as another "Best Soloist" honor. The Verytall band included some other noteworthy musicians and Downbeat winners including Brian Vanarsdale, saxophone, and Clarence Hines, trombone. The Verytall band went on to play a number of different venues throughout the year including the East Coast Jazz Festival and the Rochester International Jazz Festival.
During his time in Rochester, Jared was fortunate enough to share the stage with Dave Liebman, Wycliffe Gordon, Wynton Marsalis, Charles Pillow, and Bob Brookmeyer. He also performed with acclaimed vibraphonist Joe Locke's group as well as organist Dr. Lonnie Smith's trio.
Jared is currently a resident of Brooklyn, NY. He is a regular member of the Brenda Earle Group, Jack Donahue, Julie Hardy, the Dan Loomis Quartet, Brian Vanarsdale Quintet and has performed at the Blue Note, Birdland, Sweet Rhythm, The Kitano, Smoke, and the 55 bar. Jared is also active on the singer-songwriter scene, performing with artists such as Yana Bibb, Spencer Day, and Keith Ward. He regularly performs at the Bitter End, the Red Lion, Sullivan Hall, and other Greenwich village venues. He also is an educator, teaching at Poly Prep Country Day School in Brooklyn, as well as managing a private studio of talented youngsters. Jared also currently subs on the Broadway musical, Grease.