This picture was taken the night Christian Fortner’s life changed forever. In fact, it is a literal snapshot of what inspired him to begin the path that he is still walking today. That night, he saw his high school choir perform for the first time, and something “clicked.” Seeing so many people come together and create something so beautiful, yet so powerful, moved him beyond words. 

But not beyond actions. 

Christian joined choir the next year and began composing music, inspired by how it could be brought to life by people like those he now sang with every day. Through the power of music and the love of people, he had found purpose, meaning, and life. 

To this day, Christian still holds the same purpose: To help others experience music in the way he did. He graduated from Hardin-Simmons University with a Bachelor’s degree in Music Theory & Composition, where he studied under the direction of Dr. Bernard Scherr. 

Christian’s music places the importance of melody and “memorability” above all else. His original music and arrangements have been performed across the United States, including the Texas Music Educators Association and American Choral Directors Association conferences. He is also the founder of Christian Fortner Music, which is the primary publishing company that houses his music.

He currently resides in Abilene, Texas, with his wife, Kara, and their dog, Lady.