Born in Los Angeles in 1962, Joseph Klein holds degree in composition from Indiana University (DM, 1991), University of California, San Diego (MA, 1986), and California State Polytechnic University, Pomona (BA, 1984). His composition teachers have included Harvey Sollberger, Claude Baker, Robert Erickson, and Roger Reynolds. He is currently Distinguished Professor at the University of North Texas College of Music, where he has served as Chair of Composition Studies since 1999.

Klein’s catalogue ranges from solo pieces to works for large ensemble, including instrumental, vocal, electroacoustic and intermedia works. His compositional work reflects an ongoing interest in systems and musical processes drawn from such sources as fractal geometry and chaos theory, often inspired by natural phenomena. Recent works have reflected literary influences from Franz Kafka to Alice Fulton, including a number of works based on the writings of Elias Canetti. Klein’s compositions have been performed and broadcast internationally, and he has been a featured guest composer at academic institutions, performance venues, conferences, and music festivals throughout North America, Europe, and Asia. His works have been recognized by such organizations as the National Endowment for the Arts, the American Composers Forum/Jerome Foundation, the American Music Center, the Gaudeamus Foundation of Amsterdam, and ASCAP, and have been recorded on the Innova, Centaur, Crystal, and Mark labels.