Composing | jacobbitinas

The Composer

Jacob Bitinas began studying composition with Martha Bishop in 2016. In 2021, he began pursuing a Master of Music degree in composition from Stephen F. Austin State University. He has worked closely with Dr. Stephen Lias, Dr. Tyler Taylor, and Martha Bishop to diversify his compositional output. Jacob also enjoys creating arrangements, making transcriptions, and composing educational music for his students in the Dickerson Middle School Orchestra.

In July 2017, Jacob Bitinas was named one of the three winners of the International Leo M. Traynor Composition Competition for new music written for viols. His piece, "Eidolon No. 3", was premiered at the VdGSA Conclave in 2017 and is published by the Viola da Gamba Society. His pieces have been performed in Ohio, Tennessee, and Georgia as part of workshops like the VdGSA's Conclave and Music on the Mountain.

Jacob is privileged to work with a viol consort coached by Martha Bishop that meets weekly. This consort regularly reads newly composed music by Jacob, Martha, and many other modern composers for viola da gamba. He receives regular readings of his music with this group to get valuable input from the perspectives of mature musicians.