Jonathan Cziner, D.M.A.

Adjunct Instructor of Music in Orchestration & Freshman Success

Jonathan Cziner's music has been praised for its “daring harmonic explorations” (Dallas Morning News) and “individual voice and the knowledge and technique to convey ideas in a striking and kaleidoscopic manner” (Chicago Classical Review). Jonathan’s works have been performed throughout the United States by ensembles including the Minnesota Orchestra, Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra and New Jersey Symphony Orchestra, as well as top student and youth ensembles including the the New York Youth Symphony, Juilliard Orchestra and New Juilliard Ensemble.

Cziner was named Composer-in-Residence of the Illinois Philharmonic in 2021 and composed three new works for orchestra, including his first symphony, Celestial Symphony. He is currently the artistic director of Dallas's Voices of Change and works closely with the Greater Dallas Youth Orchestra to promote the growth and education of new music. The 2025-2026 season sees the premiere of his Clarinet Concerto with the Dallas Symphony as well as repeat performances of Rear-view with the St. Gallen Sinfonieorchester in Switzerland and the Naples Philharmonic. Cziner received a Bachelor of Music degree at New York University studying with Justin Dello Joio and completed both his Master of Music and Doctor of Music degrees at The Juilliard School under the tutelage of Robert Beaser.

Educational Experience

• D.M.A., The Juilliard School
• M.M., The Juilliard School
• B.M., New York University

Professional Experience

• Artistic Director, Voices of Change

Honors and Awards

• Composer-in-Residence, Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra (2022–2023 season)
• Palmer Dixon Prize at The Juilliard School — received twice consecutively (2017 and 2018) for most outstanding composition
• William Schuman Prize for the most outstanding score, BMI Student Composer Awards
• Charles Ives Scholarship (2018), American Academy of Arts and Letters