Joel Ritchie

Joel Ritchie is a Melbourne based: composer, trumpeter, educator, visual artist and music producer. Joel’s creative practice covers many musical styles from: World & Film Music, Jazz, to Punk Rock. In the visual domain Joel's work spans from photography, installations, video and dance theatre. 

Some highlights include co-composing, with Nicola Lester, the score for the award winning 2003 short film ‘Cracker Bag’. Co-creating, with artist Kallie Turner, gallery installations 'Songlines' & 'A Thousand Lives' at Tinning St Gallery, Melbourne. Self-funding and organising master classes to the Balkans to study Romani trumpet playing. 

In addition to composing for theatre, film and other media; Joel has completed a Diploma of Music Performance and private studies in composition. Joel has played trumpet for 25 years, in situations ranging from Balkan orkestras, brass and rock bands, ensembles and as a session musician. Self-produced musical releases include: Songlines, A Thousand Lives, The Baboon Brothers and other various singles.

Other areas of interest and future projects will involve creating customised virtual instruments & ensembles to perform audio visual compositions and theatre pieces. Programming software, MIDI controllers, iPads and micro-computers to directly interact with performers and compositions.