Maria Schneider

Doctor of Letters

School of Music, September 24, 2012

Maria Schneider, internationally acclaimed composer and jazz musician, received a bachelor of music degree from the School of Music in the College of Liberal Arts at the University of Minnesota in 1983. She went on to get a master's of music degree from the Eastman School of Music in 1985. Considered to be one of the most important composers of our time, this Minnesota native has received nine Grammy nominations and two Grammy awards as well as countless commissions from large jazz ensembles and orchestras throughout the world. She and her orchestra released their first recording 'Evanescence' in 1994, and since then they have worked with over 85 groups from over 30 countries. 'Concert in the Garden,' released only through her ArtistShare® website, became historic as the first record to win a Grammy with Internet-sales only. She has had feature articles written about her in The New York Times and the Wall Street Journal. Dean Parente wrote "For years, Maria Schneider has been a musical proponent and mentor to faculty and students alike at the University of Minnesota. Ms. Schneider's work in the arts exemplifies the School of Music's important initiatives in preparing career-aspiring musicians to traverse new musical landscapes, to be engaged leaders and entrepreneurs in society, and their communities."