Music Theory & Composition

Jacob Adler is a composer, performer, and teacher. He developed and teaches the following courses at Arizona State University: Advanced Rhythm, Fundamentals of Music Notation, 20th Century Theory, and Music Theory for Non-Music Majors. He studied organ performance and the application of Karnatic rhythm to contemporary classical music and improvisation at the Amsterdam Conservatory. His rhythm textbook “Wheels Within Wheels” has sold in over 50 countries. Jacob has taught music theory courses at Paradise Valley Community College and private international courses in microtonality and advanced rhythm. He has given seminars on rhythm, composition and improvisation at the Manhattan School of Music, Issue Project Room in NY, Academy of Music in Łódź, Poland, Göteborg Organ Academy in Sweden, University of Alaska in Fairbanks, Brooklyn College CUNY, and other institutions.

Jacob has directed the Openscore Ensemble at PVCC since 2013, which specializes in creative arrangements of compositions and improvisations – the ensemble has recorded and performed the works of György Ligeti, Steve Reich, Julius Eastman, Olivier Messiaen, Perotin, Arvo Pärt, and ensemble members. In 2019, the Openscore Ensemble performed Philip Glass’ 4-hour opera Einstein on the Beach at the Phoenix Art Museum in collaboration with theater and video artists. In 2023, the ensemble performed Olivier Messiaen’s Quartet for the End of Time.

Jacob has released 6 albums of music, and he performs on the piano, organ, laptop, accordion, tanpura, and tsimbl in several ensembles specializing in early music, contemporary classical, Hindustani, free jazz, and klezmer. He has performed his compositions at Gaudeamus Muziekweek in Amsterdam, Musica Moderna festival in Łódź, Göteborg International Organ Festival in Sweden, the Issue Project Room in New York, and other festivals in Europe and the U.S.