Jacob Ottmer, percussionist and educator, features a multi-faceted career that includes composing, arranging, performing, and educating at all levels. His current projects include revitalizing the percussion repertory’s chamber music and exploring live sound manipulation, while in his off time he enjoys baking desserts.

Currently, Jacob teaches at Xavier University and serves as Principal Percussionist at the Lima Symphony Orchestra in Ohio. He also leads the Percussion Ensemble at Northern Kentucky University.

As an educator, Jacob has taught at CCM as a graduate assistant, Raiders Drum & Bugle Corps, and other schools throughout Ohio. He has taught marching percussion since 2016 and draws heavily on his experience in the activity with groups like Santa Clara Vanguard and Monarch Independent. As part of his work teaching the marching arts, he has also composed and arranged for groups across the country.

Jacob’s performance opportunities include marching percussion, percussion ensemble competitions, orchestras, and chamber music. As part of his chamber music projects, he has premiered new works at festivals in Texas and Michigan, some of which were commissions that won awards at SEAMUS. In Cincinnati, he is the Director of Cincinnati New Music, which aims to cultivate new projects in the Cincinnati Arts Community.

As of April 2024, Jacob has completed his DMA at the Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM) studying with Jim Culley and Rusty Burge. Prior to this, he received his Master’s degree at CCM and his Bachelor’s degree at Kent State University studying under Dr. Matt Holm and Cameron Leach.