Born in 1970, Baschnagel has been taking drums lessons since age ten. He studied at the Musicians Institute (PIT) in California, graduated with the special award «Vocational», and was nominated for Jazz playing student of the year in 1994. Further studies in Cuba with Enrique Pla (Irakere), in Rio with Pascoal Meirelles (Tom Jobim), in NY with Kendrick Scott, master class with Lewis Nash.

1999: 3rd place national drummer in the Jazz’n’more readers‘ poll
2001: Diploma SMPV.
2004: Cultural promotional award of the city of Illnau-Effretikon.

Performances and recording sessions with Benny Golson, Joshua Redman, Barbara Dennerlein, Chico Freeman, Rhoda Scott, Daniel Powter, Till Brönner, NDR Bigband, George Gruntz, Franco Ambrosetti, Jens Winther, Benny Bailey, Gary Scott, Swiss Army Big Band, Pepe Lienhard Band, Jazz Via Brazil, Jimmy Woode, Pat Bianchi, Armen Donelian, Krüger Brothers, Zürich Jazz-Orchestra, Swiss Jazz Orchestra, Herbie Kopf, Bucky Pizzarelli, Picason, Othella Dallas, Sandy Patton, Rick Margitza

Individual projects such as Convergencia (Salsa), P.B.’s Latinworld, Avalanche Project, Baschnagel Group
Festivals in Switzerland, e.g. Art on Ice, Caliente, Jazz no Jazz, Willisau, Schaffhausen, etc.
International tours: Lithuania, Greece, Oman, Israel, Germany, China, Netherands, Rumania, Ukraine, etc.

Lecturer for rhythmics and drums at the Zurich University of the Arts ZHdK.

Pius Baschnagel YouTube Channel

Baschnagel Group Jazz Trailer

Baschnagel Group Live@Moods

Drum Festival Switzerland 2017