Jacob Ratledge received his Bachelor's in Music Education from Towson University. During this time, he studied percussion with Professor Mark Craig and Dr. Gordon Hicken, as well as studying composition with Dr. William Kleinsasser. 

In addition to his compositions, Mr. Ratledge is an active multi-instrumentalist, currently holding the position of Third Horn in the Southern Maryland Concert Band, and is a section percussionist in the Towson Wind Symphony.

Mr. Ratledge is also an active educator, being the Director of Bands and Orchestras at Henry E. Lackey High School in Indian Head, Maryland. He is an active member of the Maryland Music Educators' Association and the National Association for Music Education.