ABOUT
Composer, arranger, transcriber, and clinician.
. . . with a collaborative and creative skillset in performance and academic research settings..
Academic Background
. . . includes degrees, certificates, focus of studies, and professional instructors.
Bachelor of Arts in Performance
. . . emphasis instrumental and vocal music. Principal teachers include Michael Kirkjian (voice), and Rich Hoffman (trombone).
Master of Arts in Education
. . . emphasis in music. Principal teacher was Rene Clausen (choir, composition, arranging).
Master of Music Performance
. . . emphasis in conducting (vocal and instrumental)., with extended studies in
composition and arranging (Don Neufeld),
and worship leadership.
Master of Arts in Counseling
. . . emphasis working with wounded healers (e.g., pastors, leaders) within the Protestant Christian church setting.
Doctor of Education, C & I
. . . emphasis in curriculum and instruction methods of musical study, including composition, arranging, transcription, and collaborative leadership.
Doctor of Educational Psychology
. . . with focused studies on the neuroscience
of music, and its magnificent influence on the development of spatial reasoning, which solidifies comprehension and learning.
RECOGNITION
Academic Honors & Awards
. . . local and national recognition in the field of music and education.
Who’s Who in America (Music)
. . . recognized for musical studies with Rudolf R.A. Schramm at Carnegie Hall (NY) in composition, and exemplary work in worship music.
The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi
. . . for exemplary doctoral work in the area of music, as well as an ever-increasing catalog of publications that included an internationally acclaimed work for wind band.
Golden Key International Honor Society
. . . for noticeable professionalism, collegiality, competence, personal character, and intelligence in the field of music.
Presidents’ Honor Roll
. . . academic recognition of a GPA that exceeded 3.90 at the university and conservatory level.
AFFILIATIONS
Professional Memberships
. . . national associations and societies prominent in music- and education-related fields.
American Choral Directors Association (ACDA)
A professional organization for choral music educators, performers and enthusiasts. It offers conferences, publications, research, mentoring, advocacy and more for its members and the choral community at large.
American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (ASCAP)
A not-for-profit organization that collects and distributes royalties for songwriters, composers and music publishers.
Association of Higher Education and Disability (AHEAD)
A disability resource and networking association for professional faculty, instructional personnel, and colleagues who are invested in creating welcoming higher education experiences for disabled individuals.
National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS)
A non-profit association of teachers of singing that promotes the highest standards in the teaching of singing, vocal education, and research at all academic and conservatory levels.
Musical Works Portfolio
. . . some of my published works that you may know (not an all-inclusive list).
I SAW THREE SHIPS/JOY TO THE WORLD
(medley)
Michael W. Smith
arr. Christian Ontos
Sony/ATV Milene Music &
Deer Valley Music (1998)
Hal Leonard Publishing (2025)
MÉDITATION
…from the opera “Thaïs” (1894)
Jules Massenett (1842-1912)
arr. Christian Ontos
Ricordi G-Co. Buehnen MusikVerlag GMBH (2018)
Hal Leonard Publishing (2024)
AMAZING LOVE
(based on Eph. 2:4-7)
words and music by
Christian Ontos
Hal Leonard Publishing (2025)
DEBORAH’S THEME
…from ‘Once Upon a Time in America’
Ennio Morricone
trans. Christian Ontos
Warner/Chappell Music, Inc. (2021)
Hal Leonard Publishing (2025)
BE STILL
(based on Jhn. 14:27)
words and music by
Christian Ontos
Hal Leonard Publishing (2025)
BLESSED THE COMFORTED
(based on Psa. 33:18)
words and music by
Christian Ontos
Hal Leonard Publishing (2025)
IN THE REFUGE FOUND IN YOU
(based on Psa. 56, 57)
words and music by
Christian Ontos
Hal Leonard Publishing (2025)
I’LL RUN TO YOU
(1 Cor. 9:24, 26; Heb. 12:1)
words and music by
Christian Ontos
Hal Leonard Publishing (2025)
Testimonials & References
. . . a brief snippet from those who know me, and know my works.
“[Christian] has a musical background [that] is rare in its breadth and proficiency. He is highly regarded by musical professionals in our region, many [of] whom marvel at his technical skill as a conduit for equally capable musical skill. He is a musician’s musician–equally competent in symphonic, solo, jazz, popular or western art music settings.”
“It goes without saying; I have the highest respect for his musicianship. He possesses a rare blend of passion, competency, humility, and earnest desire for his students to succeed. He is able to speak, not just from theory and conceptual understanding, but from authentic professional experiences he has been part of. “
“I truly believe that his experience in and out of academia make [him] an invaluable addition to any faculty. He has already demonstrated in his career the possession of self-discipline, artistic skills, leadership skills, and scholarly capacity to fulfill all that is expected from a successful professor . . . “
Director of Instrumental Studies | Director of Graduate Music Education | Director of Bands
APU School of Music
“He exhibits tremendous respect for the craft of conductor, as well as a deep sense of musical technique and application, is outstanding, and his passion to continue learning is remarkable. He has an extensive knowledge of band, string, and choral repertoire, looking for obscure works that help develop his training. As a professional, he is well known to be a wonderfully caring professor, with evaluation ratings that rank among the highest. But what I am most proud of is his enthusiastic attitude, as well as his responsible and committed approach to the profession of musical performance and education. He treats individuals with love for who they are, looking for ways to help them grow in the knowledge of themselves through music. Those who have played for him simply love his spirit and approach. He finds a way to bind the community of musicians as a family, developing a deep sense of motivation for excellence and musical integrity. And many individuals seek to maintain their relationships long after their time with him as conductor. I cannot think of a better statement of the man he is toward others than this.
I have often spoken to him that he is ‘the kind of individual the world needs to have more of.’ I have not swayed in that belief. This man is a jewel in the making.”
Musical Director and Conductor
TAD Wind Symphony
All works found on this site are governed by U.S. Copyright, with all rights reserved by the author and publisher of record.
No work may be reproduced in whole or in part, by any means, electronic of mechanical,
including photocopying or digital reproduction, without permission in writing from the publisher and the author.
All soundtracks have been produced by Acumen Productions. All rights reserved.
New Works in Production
. . . a sneak peek into early production.

SUNSET
Eric Saari / Walt Whitman
arr. for winds by Christian Ontos

I SURRENDER ALL
Judson Van DeVenter (1896)
arr. Christian Ontos

IF YOU LOVE ME
written by Christian Ontos
text from Jn. 14:15-17

RESTORED
music and lyrics by Christian Ontos
text from Psa. 51; 1 Pe. 5:10
Latest news from my blog
. . . updates on commissions, premieres, festivals, publications, and the studio.
