Schmid grew up as the son of a teacher couple and was a member of the ''Regensburger Domspatzen'' from the age of 10 to 15. After graduating from high school, he was initially employed by the railroad and studied music at the Academy of Music in Munich from 1899 to 1903. His teachers included Ludwig Thuille (composition), Berthold Kellermann (piano), and Josef Becht (organ).
After completing his studies (with top grades), Schmid undertook concert tours as a pianist with violinist Willy Burmester from 1903 to 1905. In 1905, he received a call to teach piano and harmony at the ''Akademie der Tonkunst'' in Munich.
In addition to his teaching activities, he was conductor of the ''Münchener Liedertafel von 1840'' from 1909 to 1919.
In 1919, Schmid was appointed professor at the ''Akademie der Tonkunst'' in Munich and in 1921 received an appointment as director at the ''Landeskonservatorium'' in Karlsruhe. From 1924 to 1931, as director of the Municipal Conservatory in Augsburg, he led the forerunner of today's Leopold Mozart Center. From 1932, Schmid was a freelance composer in Geiselbullach near Munich.
Schmid composed mainly choral music, chamber music, songs and church music.
