“My time at American University gave me the opportunity to really explore my calling in this field.” 

©Emmy Award Winning composer John Wineglass has developed an expansive portfolio across television, independent films, and concert hall compositions performed in some of the world’s most famous music venues. He says, “One of the most valuable lessons that my television and independent film music career has taught me is the importance of versatility at a moment's notice. I believe that this experience, along with growing up improvising in church music, has led me greatly in my adeptness through a wide array of projects.” 

As a student at AU, Wineglass gained the confidence and skillset to fully pursue a career in music. “Initially, I was a double major in business administration (finance) and music. Eventually, I could no longer deny my passion for music and later transferred full-time into a music degree. AU gave me the space to expand as a musician and a composer outside of my formal youth orchestra training and private lessons growing up in the Washington, DC, area.” 

In recent years, Wineglass has turned his efforts toward fighting racism through the power of music. #elijah was commissioned by the Cape Symphony in Massachusetts as a tribute to Elijah Jovan McClain—a 23-year-old African American massage therapist and amateur violinist who died six days after a violent encounter with police and paramedics in 2019. Jointly, the composition honors the many people of color who have lost their lives at the hands of those who are entrusted “to protect and serve.” Recently, the London Symphony recorded #elijah with violinist Yumi Hwang-Williams, Wineglass’ friend and concertmaster of the Colorado Symphony. Wineglass says, “My approach to composing #elijah was much the same as with my other works. Fully embody the subject matter and then release and compose.”