Joshua Hintze (b. 1982) grew up in Oshkosh, Wisconsin where his childhood was conspicuously lacking in any significant musical influences. His youth was, however, full of experiences and observations of the natural world. He learned to be patient and quietly observe his surroundings while exploring the geology, flora, fauna, and waterways of his home state. These lessons and experiences shape his aesthetic sense more than any other aspect of his life. Joshua was first a trombonist before he adopted composition as his primary vocation. A minor back injury forced him to put down his trombone for a few months, and it was during that time that he began composing.

He studied composition formally with Joanne Metcalf and Fred Sturm at the Lawrence University Conservatory of Music in Appleton, Wisconsin. Joshua composes primarily chamber music and uses a method of layered resonances (from pitch, to rhythm, to form) to construct each of his compositions. This not only economizes thematic material, but also reinforces the aesthetic end of the piece. And it is that aesthetic end that really drives each of Joshua’s compositions. He firmly believes that no matter how good the music sounds, it is not good enough unless every sound is connected to the overall purpose of the piece.