Benjamin Schoening, DMA

American lyric baritone, Benjamin Schoening has enjoyed much success as a vocalist throughout the United States, Europe, and South & Central America. Having started his career as a Horn player and orchestral conductor, he possesses a distinctive combination of talents and abilities that have allowed him to gain a unique insight into the music he performs.

Benjamin holds degrees from Luther College (Voice and Horn), The University of Illinois (Conducting), and the University of Minnesota (Voice). His teachers include Gregory Berg, David Greedy, Darren Anderson, Glenda Maurice, and Philip Zawisza. In addition, Benjamin has worked with coaches Jessica Paul, Tomas Schleiss, and Margo Garret and studied opera/acting with David Walsh. 

Benjamin has garnered a reputation for his performances of Art Song in the English language, and is in particular is a champion of the American repertoire. In addition to his song recital performances, Benjamin has made appearances with the Racine Choral Arts Society (Wisconsin), Symphonia da Camerata (Illinois), and White Mountain Symphony Orchestra (Arizona), and Northeast Georgia Chamber Symphony as a vocal soloist. He has been active in opera, most recently as Papageno in Mozart’s Die Zauberflöte, Falke in Strass' Die Fledermaus, and the Sacristan and Sciarrone in Puccini's Tosca.

Benjamin has also established himself as a successful instrumental and choral conductor. He has held conducting positions with the Northland Master Chorale (AZ), White Mountain Symphony Orchestra (AZ), and Red Cedar Choir (WI). Benjamin has also had guest conducting appearances with the Bemidji Symphony Orchestra, University of Illinois Chamber Orchestra, University of Illinois Opera, UNG Wind Ensemble, and the North Georgia Chamber Symphony.

In addition to performing, Benjamin is a devoted teacher. He has served as a guest clinician for many events in the Midwest, Southwest, and Southeast United States. He has held teaching positions at Northland Pioneer College (AZ) and the University of Wisconsin – Barron County. Benjamin is presently Head of the Department of Music at the University of North Georgia where is also a Professor of Music and Director of Vocal Studies.