UWF professor’s musical composition releases to international audience

Dr. Joseph T. Spaniola, professor and director of music theory and jazz studies at the University of West Florida, composed a musical composition that is set to be released to international audiences Oct. 16, 2026. Entitled, “ARTEMIS,” for french horn and piano, it was recorded by Czech musician Radek Baborák at Studio Martinek in Prague, Czech Republic. 

“Dr. Spaniola composition and the international release of ‘ARTEMIS’ highlights the exceptional talent within our faculty,” says David M. Earle, Dean of the College of Arts, Social Sciences, and Humanities. “This achievement not only showcases his mastery as a composer but also reinforces UWF’s global reputation as a hub for significant creative contribution.”  

Spaniola first became inspired to write “ARTEMIS” after learning about the current NASA Artemis mission to restore human exploration on the moon and establish a long-term presence. The music is divided into six parts, communicating the introduction, trek into orbit, acclimation to orbit, trek across the lunar surface, triumphant arrival and looking beyond. 

“The most important part of composing is figuring out what you are going to write about,” Spaniola said. “Once I know my vision for what I want, it is much easier to have a goal, and I ended up writing this piece in just a few days.”  

The composition initially premiered for the Pensacola ComposerFest hosted by Pensacola State College and was also presented to the College Music Society Southern Conference hosted by Samford University in Homewood, Alabama. Spaniola connected with Radek Baborák, a Czech musician who was gathering compositions for French Horn on his upcoming album, “Horn of Plenty, Vol. 1.” This album will feature Spaniola’s “ARTEMIS,” bringing international recognition to UWF.

“With this fall semester being my 20th year at UWF, the University has become a part of who I am,” Spaniola said. “When these opportunities come about, I know that I’m not just representing myself, but I am also bringing the University with me wherever I go. I’m proud to represent UWF in musical spheres on an international stage.”

Spaniola has been composing music for more than five decades, writing his first piece at age 11. He earned a bachelor’s degree in music theory and composition and a master’s degree in composition from Michigan State University, followed by a doctorate in composition from the University of North Texas. Over the course of his career, his compositions have been performed on every continent except Antarctica.

For more information about UWF’s Grier Williams School of Music, visit uwf.edu/music.