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The music of Joseph Eidson (b.1981) contains rhythmic drive, crisp harmonies, and a preference for lyrical melodies. His works have been performed throughout North America and abroad by the Boston Metro Opera, Dallas Wind Symphony, Metropolitan Wind Symphony, University of Texas New Music Ensemble, Allégresse Trio, Opera Vista, Helianthus Ensemble, Missouri Civic Orchestra, TEMPO, New Music Agency, Paul Stevens, Cory Hills, Kenji Haba, Robert McNichols Jr., and Jonathan Dotson, among others. Recently his works have been heard at the Boston Metro Opera Contemporary AmericanaFest, CBDNA Eastern Regional Conference reading session, New Voices at the Catholic University of America, Aries Festival for New Music, and several College Music Society regional conferences. While he retains a passion for wind and string writing, the past three years have focused on vocal music. Works completed during this time include four song cycles, a chamber opera, and a work for choir. Other recent works include a horn concerto and two new pieces for wind ensemble.

His music has received awards and recognition from the Missouri Civic Orchestra, Vox Novus, the Metropolitan Wind Symphony 40th Anniversary Competition, 2010 ASCAP Morton Gould Award (finalist), 2010 Opera Vista Festival (semifinalist), Aurora Borealis Duo Composition Contest, Dallas Wind Symphony fanfare competition, Helianthus Call for Scores, Music09 Competition (honorable mention), ASCAP / CBDNA Frederick Fennell award for concert band (honorable mention), the Penn State trombone choir composition competition, the George Lawner Award and a Thomas Presser scholarship both from the University of Kansas. Joseph Eidson holds degrees in composition from the University of Kansas (DMA, BM) and the University of Texas (MM), studying composition with Dan Welcher, James Barnes, Donald Grantham, and Forrest Pierce.

Dr. Eidson is a member of the music faculty at Bucknell University where he teaches courses in theory and composition. He and his wife Julia live in New Cumberland, Pennsylvania with their feisty cats Gabs, Winston and Moose who enjoy sleeping on top of any available manuscript paper when not being fed.