About

Justin Rito (b. 1986) composes eclectic concert music inspired by classical and popular culture. In his music you’ll hear dense expressionism, stark simplicity, and the intersections that result. 

As a pushy and unapologetic supporter of contemporary music, Justin has established concert series and ensembles that bring living music to new audiences throughout his career. Justin founded “Unwind” in East Lansing, Michigan, a series of casual performances of contemporary music in bars, and served as the musical coordinator for the Sonic Salon series at the Broad Art Museum in East Lansing. Justin has also founded ensembles devoted to contemporary music at Central Michigan University (2010), Northern Vermont University (2018) and Alma College (2024).

Justin’s music has been featured on concerts throughout the United States, Canada, and Europe, where his works have been performed by the Fifth House Ensemble, Latitude 49, the Arx Duo, the MITT3N Trio, and the Grand Valley New Music Ensemble among others. Justin is also proud to work with educational ensembles on new works, and has collaborated with the Mustang Bands (OK), Jenison Bands (MI), Cadillac Band, Choir, and Orchestra (MI), and Harbor Springs Bands (MI) in recent years. Upcoming projects include pieces for the Alma Choir (SATB Choir) and Matthew Tracy (saxophone and piano) in addition to an album of spacious works collectively called The Simple Songs.

Justin began his musical training as a pianist, and remains an active collaborative performer. Having always enjoyed popular music, he began exploring composition as a creative outlet through song-writing, and eventually turned to concert music during his undergraduate studies in music education at Alma College. He went on to study composition with David Gillingham, Ricardo Lorenz, and David Maslanka. In addition to his formal training in composition, Justin received a Masters degree in Music Theory from the University of Western Ontario in 2013, and has presented theoretical research on rhythmic transformations in modern music at conferences nationally and internationally.

Justin is currently Assistant Professor of Music at his alma mater, Alma College, where he teaches theory, history, and composition.