The works of Niko D. Schroeder reflect his Midwestern (U.S.) upbringing through rugged joy, unpretentious transparency, and wry humor. His sound and video art often departs from the popular and mundane—provoking reconsideration of the commonplace through unusual contextual and formal situations. Processes of focal shift, fragmentation, and self-reference play out, influenced by his early experiences with conceptualism, minimalism, American folk music, and basement-dwelling rock bands.
Niko’s collaborative spirit is reflected in his work as a bandleader, music engraver, and audio engineer. He lives in Michigan with his spouse and their two cats, Johnny Cash and June Carter.
98 words, current Dec 2025
Full Biography
The work of Niko D. Schroeder reflects his Midwestern (U.S.) upbringing through rugged joy, unpretentious transparency, and wry humor. His sound and video art often depart from the familiar and mundane—provoking reconsideration of the commonplace through unusual contextual and formal situations. Processes of focal shift, fragmentation, and self-reference play out, influenced by Niko’s early experiences with conceptualism, minimalism, American folk music, and basement-dwelling rock bands.
Niko’s collaborative spirit is reflected in his work as a bandleader, music engraver, and audio engineer. Cherished projects include his polka quartet, The Bierkeller Boys Oompah Band, and past endeavors including indie-pop band The Lake Effects and folk/classical quintet Waiting for Niko. Other performers of his music include Sō Percussion, Alarm Will Sound, Nadar Ensemble, Quatour Bozzini, Het Residentie Orkest, the Sinta Quartet, Orkest de Ereprijs, Invoke, Khemia Ensemble, and the Grand Valley State New Music Ensemble. His work as a composer, performer, and engineer can be heard on the Innova Recordings, Klavier, and slashsound labels, and has been presented and supported by Gaudeamus, the Nederlands Dans Theater, Dutch Nationale Opera & Ballet, Barlow Endowment for Music Composition, World Chess Hall of Fame, Music Sacra Maastricht, Orgelpark, Beerthoven, and others.
Niko studied at the Royal Conservatoire of The Hague, the University of Missouri, Columbia, and Grand Valley State University. He was awarded the University of Missouri’s Sinquefield Prize, the university’s highest honor for a composer. At Grand Valley State, he was twice named Composer of the Year and was awarded the Glenn A. Niemeyer Award—the highest distinction for student contributions to the university. He has participated in masterclasses and festivals including the Mizzou International Composers Festival, Darmstadt Summer Course, Time of Music (Musiikin aika), Sō Percussion Summer Institute, and Fresh Inc Festival.
Niko lives in Michigan with his spouse and their two cats, Johnny Cash and June Carter.
305 words, current Dec 2025
Niko D. Schroeder 