Born in Cleveland, Ohio, Schmidt began the study of music at the age of five. He holds a B.A. from The Ohio University, a M.M. from The New England Conservatory of Music, and a D.M.A. from the University of Minnesota.
A profile recitalist, Timothy Schmidt's concerts have taken him to three continents with extensive concerts in the United States, Mexico, Hong Kong, China, and Russia. The recipient of numerous awards and honors, he has performed with a number of orchestras including the Ft. Dodge Symphony Orchestra, the Cleveland Suburban Symphonic Winds, and the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra.
Schmidt was four times named Cultural Ambassador from the State of Iowa to China and Russia, and has served as a member and chair of the board of the Iowa Arts Council. He twice received faculty study grants by the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America. After 33 years of service to Waldorf College, in Forest City, Iowa, as the Professor of Music and Head of Keyboard Studies, he retired in 2005.
Schmidt has served in leadership roles at both the state and the national levels. He is currently listed in the Directory of Iowa Artists and Performing Groups and the Performing Artist Touring Roster of the Iowa Arts Council.