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Dr. Carson Rose Schneider performing at the piano

About Carson

Collaborative pianist, opera coach, music director, and recording artist based in Minneapolis, MN.

Praised for her "excellent musicianship" (Talkin' Broadway) and "stunning and emotionally evocative" playing (Cherry and Spoon), Dr. Carson Rose Schneider is a versatile pianist who works as a duo partner, coach, music director, and rehearsal pianist with opera companies, chamber groups, and choirs.

"pianist and music director Carson Rose Schneider brings out the beauty skillfully as the production's lone instrumentalist. Even the dance interludes — which feature the opera's most familiar music — capably capture the music's ebullient spirit…"

— Star Tribune , on Skylark Opera Theatre's Eugene Onegin

Based in Minneapolis, MN, she is at home playing with singers and instrumentalists and in demand by companies and recitalists around the Midwest. The companies she has worked with include Skylark Opera Theatre, Lyric Opera of the North, Out of the Box Opera, An Opera Theatre, Journey North Opera, St Croix Valley Opera, Really Spicy Opera, Schubert Club, Twin Cities Opera Guild, Lakes Area Music Festival, and Source Song Festival. She is the Coordinator and Music Director for Skylark Opera Theatre's Skylark for Seniors, a concert series that travels to senior living residences throughout the Twin Cities metro.

While she enjoys and is comfortable playing a variety of styles and genres, she is especially passionate about new works, chamber music and art song, and connecting with audiences in intimate and immersive venues. She is featured on the album Harsh Things to Beauty with works by composer Linda Kachelmeier. Along with mezzo-soprano Kara Morgan, she curated a project called Ladies, Lyrics, & Lagers co-sponsored by OOPS MN, a Twin Cities nonprofit — bringing art song "out of the concert hall and into the beer hall" at local breweries.

In addition to an active performing life, she runs her home video recording and coaching business called Carson Rose Studios and is the pianist and choir accompanist at Union Congregational Church in Elk River, MN.

Press & Recognition

excellent musicianship

— Talkin' Broadway

stunning and emotionally evocative

— Cherry and Spoon

pianist and music director Carson Rose Schneider brings out the beauty skillfully as the production's lone instrumentalist. Even the dance interludes — which feature the opera's most familiar music — capably capture the music's ebullient spirit…

— Star Tribune

Skylark Opera Theatre's Eugene Onegin, 2022

Education & Credentials

Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA)

Collaborative Piano & Coaching

University of Minnesota, 2017

Studied under Timothy Lovelace

Pianist & Choir Accompanist

Union Congregational Church UCC

Elk River, MN

Beyond the Piano

When she isn't at a piano, Carson enjoys adventures with her husband Mike, cooking, trips to the North Shore, and cuddles with their cat Merlin.

Get in Touch