Photography by Aaron J Derwin II
Shaped by an early passion for storytelling, NYC-based composer Ethan Jankowski weaves story and character into his musical expression, driven by themes of the metaphysical and abstract. While much of his work is spontaneous in influence, he roots his process in drawing pathways between art, concept, science, space, and humanity to create a narrative within his music. With this mission in mind, Ethan offers a poetic driving force that invites listeners of his music to find the life and music within everything, be it the earth around them or the stars beyond their reach.
Ethan’s solo and chamber work has received recognition from organizations such as ASCAP (ASCAP+ Award ‘25), Tribeca New Music (Merit Award ‘25), and the MiddleWestern Voice (winner ‘19/’21), with a recent work for piano titled The Seated Queen - part of a series of works based upon constellations - being selected as a winner of the 2025 Abundant Silence Composition Competition. The work will be performed by renowned pianist Daniel Inamorato at the 37th FOCAM Festival at Washington State University in 2026. Jankowski’s music has also been mentored by composers such as Jessie Montgomery in her Who’s in the Lobby? series at the Juilliard School, where his duo piece Refugia received its premiere. Ethan has also enjoyed commissions from performers like Caroline Wincenc, for her Iconic Legacy concert at the National Flute Association Conference this year. His work, Syzygy was premiered alongside 4 others in this ICONIC suite of works for flute ensemble. Other commissioners have included the University of Texas Permian-Basin Orchestra, the Addison Trail High School Orchestra, and an upcoming project he is excited to announce later this year. His works have been performed by artists such as Missing Piece, Shi-An Costello, and ensembles like the Dior Quartet and Lucerna Quartet across the pond.
In addition to his creative work, Jankowski is also an active copyist, engraver, arranger, and orchestrator; recently having worked with publishing houses like Coleman-Page Publishing, composers Trevor Weston, Neil Rolnick, Kyrese Washington, Walter Robinson, and currently working at peermusic Classical as a Production Assistant.
Ethan is a Chicagoland native, now based in Brooklyn with his elder cat, Honey. While he spends much of his time defending Chicago-style pizza, he also enjoys to hike, run (though only after New Years), and read in his seldom free time. Accolades of his upbringing include a runner-up trophy from his K-12 karate sparring competition, placing fourth in his 5th-grade spelling bee, and a thespian award in high school for his time in musical theatre (credits include Marius in Les Misérables, and Chad in All Shook Up (Broadway, my phone is on and waiting)).
Ethan is currently completing his Master of Music at The Juilliard School, having studied with composers Nina Young, Melinda Wagner, Valerie Coleman, and Amy Beth Kirsten. He holds a Bachelor of Music from Elmhurst University, having studied with composers Mark Harbold, John Dorhauer, and David DeVasto.