As an artist, teacher, and author, I’ve done a variety of things, perhaps best known internationally for my literary contributions regarding America’s musical instrument histories.
In addition, my other experiences/ventures/ contributions include:
● co-founder of the National Music Center - the educational component of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum
● received grants from the National Endowment for the Humanities, and the Selmer Corporation
● released six albums of original songs
● performed and guest-lectured at concert halls, colleges, universities museums, throughout the U.S.
● served as consultant and curator for various museums and private musical instrument collectors nationally
● appeared as an artist and scholar in the media internationally (print, radio, television, etc.)
● earned advanced degrees in both music and theology
The externally-referent observations that follow are illustrative of how my ways of being in the world have been of value to others.
MUSIC
“… intelligent … a remarkable wordsmith influenced by music and literature through the ages …gives a description of the beauty and strength of the heavens that rivals the elegiac verses of the17th-century poets” - Cleveland Plain Dealer
“… a great talent … I really like the songs! … potential for a great career as an artist” - CBS Records"
"… musically very graceful, well-constructed form, excellent guitar playing and tasteful use of ancillary instruments … reflective and loving poetry, at times almost ethereal. Sincere and accomplished work” - Tri-C JazzFest - America’s Premier Educational Jazz Festival, Cleveland, OH
“… truly brilliant, very heartfelt and ever so romantic! - Wm. F. Ludwig Jr. (former president of the Ludwig Drum Company)
“… it’s top-drawer!” - James L. D’Aquisto (pre-eminent 20th-century luthier)
“… beautiful albums … very good marriage of voice and chord harmonies … effective technique and fine tone” - Alphonse Valenti (20th-century guitar virtuoso)
WRITING
“Paul Schmidt writes with exceptional clarity, elegance, and that special grace” - Jonathan Kellerman (best-selling mystery novelist)
“Schmidt does a fine job” - Smithsonian Institution, Washington D.C.
“… ground-breaking scholarship” - Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York,
“Required reading for all guitar players” - Johnny Smith (20th-century jazz guitar icon)
“An excellent book about these important instruments” - Tim Olsen (founder and President of The Guild or American Luthiers)
“A must for collectors” - Guitar Player magazine
“A wonderful and fitting tribute” - John Monteleone (world-renowned luthier)
“… a truly wonderful and carefully prepared book” - Linda Manzer (noted Canadian luthier)
“This is lovely!” - Mick Ralphs (guitarist - Mott the Hoople, Bad Company)
DESIGN
“… inspiring … masterful … exemplary artistry, talent, and scholarship … excellent presentation … very highly recommended!” - Museum of Making Music, San Diego CA (Nouveau Series guitar exhibit and lecture performance)
“… guitar expert Paul Schmidt” - Guitar Player Magazine (museum exhibit)
“… truly beautiful!” - Oakland Museum of California (Nouveau Series guitars)
“These are great!” - Billy Gibbons (ZZ Top), Nouveau Series guitars