John M. Pasternak

John M. Pasternak is an American composer, conductor, and educator whose music is widely performed worldwide. Known for his soaring melodies, rhythmic energy, and expert scoring, his works have become staples of contemporary band and orchestra literature, engaging musicians and audiences across the globe.

Mr. Pasternak’s academic background includes a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Kent State University, where he served as a Staff Arranger for the music department and the Marching Golden Flashes. Committed to innovation in the classroom, he also holds a Master of Education in Educational Technology from the American College of Education. This unique combination of traditional musicianship and modern instructional design enables him to effectively bridge the gap between performance and 21st-century digital learning.

Since 2013, John has taught grades 5 through 12 in band, orchestra, choir, and general music. This extensive classroom experience ensures that his compositions are both artistically fulfilling and educationally purposeful. His works are frequently recognized for their excellence, including repeated “Top 100” honors from Bandworld Magazine.

Beyond the concert hall, Mr. Pasternak is a prolific film composer. He has collaborated extensively with Coaster Studios, most notably providing the original score for the feature-length documentary This is How We Roll, which chronicles the history of Rocky Mountain Construction (RMC). His film credits also include Save My Park, The Legacy of Schwarzkopf, and Defiance: From Idea to Reality.

A member of ASCAP and the Ohio Music Education Association (OMEA), Mr. Pasternak remains in high demand as a guest conductor and clinician, dedicated to helping the next generation of musicians find their voice through expressive performance and creative collaboration.