A composer who tries to play the piano and a pianist who tries to compose, Boston-based John McDonald has earned international acclaim as a musician. His compositions have been performed on four continents, and his work is frequently featured in the U.S.A. by such ensembles as Alea III, Arden Quartet, Boston Composers String Quartet, Hartt Contemporary Players, Marimolin, Rivers Trio, A Far Cry, and Duo 101. His recordings appear on the Albany, Archetype, Boston, Bridge, Neuma, New Ariel, Arsis, and New World labels.

John is Professor of Music at Tufts University, and was recently on leave as Valentine Visiting Professor of Music at Amherst College (2016-2017). He has served as Chair of the Music Department at Tufts, and Director of Graduate Music Studies. John was an Artistic Ambassador to Asia, and is on the advisory board of Worldwide Concurrent Premieres, Inc., and several other cultural and academic organizations.