Ascher Taylor-Schroeder is a accomplished guitarist working to exist in multiple worlds inhabited by the instrument. Ascher began guitar as a typical self-taught player, learning rock, blues and metal through middle and high school. Through the study of the trumpet, first with Dr. Timothy Zifer, then with Dr. Eric Swisher, Ascher realized the importance of music education. After finding a passion for teaching and high quality music education, he pursued a degree in music education at Murray State University (MSU), and graduated in 2020 receiving the Outstanding Senior award from the Department of Music. During his time at MSU Ascher studied with Professor Brent Webster, studying classical guitar, performing works from the Renaissance to the 21st Century. Ascher also studied education with a variety of teachers, including professors John Fannin and Joan Riley. Ascher was also an active member of all Murray State Jazz ensembles.

Ascher is currently a teaching assistant for Dr. Stephen Mattingly at University of Louisville where he is pursuing a Masters in Guitar Performance with an emphasis in String Pedagogy. Ascher has a particular passion for the commission of new music for the guitar, and collaborated to premier System Break, a piece for guitar duo written by Isaac R. Smith in 2021. This is Ascher’s second year at Sacred Heart School for the Arts teaching a variety of instruments and age levels. He is also pleased to join the Louisville Mandolin Orchestra as conductor.