This Los Angeles-based pianist, vocalist and flutist originates from Western Canada where she grew up playing and writing music from an early age. While in pursuit of her classical harp degree in college, Ms. Schell  began listening intently to jazz piano greats Oscar Peterson, Bill Evans and Red Garland among others. This prompted a move east to study jazz piano at Montreal’s acclaimed McGill University.

The real learning, however, came from playing on the bandstand and with older reputable musicians who spent time playing with greats like Miles Davis, Wynton Kelly, Ella Fitzgerald. Gaea feels "it's so important to listen and to understand the tradition of the music--and to experience --to feel swing".

A 1999 Canada Council for the Arts grant took Gaea to New York City where she studied with internationally known pianist/composer Richie Beirach.

Gaea recently made her California debut as a featured performer at the San Jose Jazz Festival and has been performing professionally as a pianist, flutist (and recently vocalist) for over ten years in many diverse musical contexts. Her experience includes everything from trio to big band to solo lounge work to performances with orchestras. Some notable artists she has played with include Nancy King, John Stowell, Albert 'Tootie' Heath, Tony Dumas, Ingrid Jensen, Bobby Watson, Dan Faehnle (guitarist with Diana Krall), Earl Palmer and Gilbert Castellanos (member of the Clayton/Hamilton Orchestra).

Gaea continually strives for the dynamic range of expression between a sensitive, lyrical approach on a ballad and a crisp, clean playfulness on an uptempo tune.