Biography

This page features my up-to-date biographies and high-resolution color photos that you can download and use in your publications. If you require other biographical content for your publishing efforts, or have any questions, contact me.

About Joel Martinson

A leading figure in American church music, composer and church musician Joel Martinson's support and expansion of the great tradition of sacred music of the church is revealed through his compositions, performances, and presentations. Joel is the product of two generations of clergy-musician families. Born in Minneapolis in 1960 and raised in Oregon, Martinson has lived in the Dallas, Texas area since 1981. He has worked as a Director of Music and Organist in various churches of Christian liturgical denominations and in a Reformed Jewish congregation. He is Director of Music Ministries and Organist at The Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration in Dallas, Texas where he coordinates the vibrant musical life of the parish, the Transfigured Nights music series, and an exciting new organ project by Richards, Fowkes & Co.

American Composer

Joel Martinson's compositions have:

• Received awards and rave reviews from critics and performers.
• Been widely featured at musicians' conventions.
• Been recorded by notable performers and ensembles.

Mr. Martinson has been commissioned as a composer by a wide array of churches, musical organizations, and individual performers across the United States.

His music has been performed throughout the United States, in Great Britain and Europe, and on the continents of Africa and Asia. Nearly 100 of his works are published by Oxford University Press, Paraclete Press, and other well-respected publishers.

Church Musician, Performer, and Presenter

An accomplished organist and national competition winner, Martinson holds both the Bachelor and Master of Music degrees in Organ Performance from the University of North Texas with a secondary area of composition. He has taught a series of courses on church music at the University of North Texas, been a clinician at church music events, and presenter of new music at publishing house reading sessions.

Joel Martinson is actively involved in the American Guild of Organists (AGO) and:

• Has served:
  • As Dean of the Dallas Chapter AGO.
  • As Director of the Dallas Chapter AGO Recital Series.
  • As Steering Committee Member & Logistics Director for the 1994 National AGO Convention in Dallas.
  • Two terms on the national Committee for New Music Competitions & Commissions of the AGO.
• Is Performance Chair for the Region VII AGO Convention to be held in Dallas, June 2007.

Content for Your Publications

Up-To-Date Biographies

Short Biography, 8 kB PDF.

Composer Biography, 11 kB PDF.

Performer/Presenter Biography, 11 kB PDF.

High-Resolution Photos

  8x10 Casual Photo, 2.3 MB zipped RGB color JPEG.

  8x10 Dress Photo, 3 MB zipped RGB color JPEG.