Ataman Kınış is a Turkish Cypriot composer and researcher. He holds a BA in Music from the University of Hull and an MMus in Music Composition from the University of Surrey, where he completed his PhD degree in Music Composition. His doctoral research, entitled “Decoration as Material”, investigates the adaptation and modelling of Turkish makam ornamentation and pitch structures within the context of electronic music. His research incorporates instrumental explorations involving the electric fretless guitar and electronics, as well as analytical studies.

Kınış’s compositional language is highly influenced by Cypriot and Turkish makam music, as well as involving explorations of alternative tuning systems, microtonality, musical expression, and improvisation. His works also investigate music technological aspects of sound, composing based on data sonification and exploring alternative uses of music technology. He has delivered lectures and conferences at various institutions in both the United Kingdom and Cyprus. In 2021, his score for a short film was awarded the Grand Prize at the Montreal International Film Scoring Competition.