Jacob Adler is a composer, pianist, educator, and filmmaker. 

Specializing in tuning systems and advanced rhythm, Jacob has taught a variety of music theory courses at Arizona State University (2011-present) and Paradise Valley Community College.

Jacob's advanced rhythm textbook "Wheels Within Wheels" has sold in over 50 countries. He has given seminars on rhythm, composition and improvisation at the Manhattan School of Music, Issue Project Room in NY, Academy of Music in Łódź, Poland, Göteborg Organ Academy in Sweden, University of Alaska in Fairbanks, Brooklyn College CUNY, and other institutions.

Jacob has directed the Openscore Ensemble at PVCC since 2013, which specializes in creative arrangements of compositions and improvisations - the ensemble has recorded and performed the works of György Ligeti, Steve Reich, Julius Eastman, Olivier Messiaen, Perotin, Arvo Pärt, and ensemble members. In 2019, the Openscore Ensemble performed Philip Glass' 4-hour opera Einstein on the Beach at the Phoenix Art Museum in collaboration with theater and video artists. In 2023, the ensemble performed Olivier Messiaen's Quartet for the End of Time.

Jacob has released 6 albums of music, and he performs on the piano, organ, laptop, accordion, tanpura, and tsimbl in several ensembles specializing in early music, contemporary classical, Hindustani, free jazz, and klezmer. He has performed his compositions around Europe and the U.S. 

Jacob's video essay Total Pixel Space was awarded the Grand Prix at the 2025 Runway AI Film Festival in NYC and LA. He is currently producing a feature length film about information theory, evolution, and complex systems. Produced with the support of WW7, the film will be completed in the summer of 2026.

Contact: jacobadler@gmail.com