Cooper Martell

percussion

Hometown: Albany, NY

Alma maters: Manhattan School of Music

Photo credit

Appearances

Eastern Music Festival, 2018; Aspen Music Festival, 2019; Verbier Festival Orchestra, 2020

What is your earliest memory of classical music?

My earliest memories of classical music are my piano lessons which I began in first grade. My parents also started to learn piano with the same wonderful teacher to inspire me to practice and develop this skill alongside them.

Was there a teacher who was particularly impactful/helpful? What made this instructor stand out?

Throughout the past few decades my high school mentor, Richard Albagli, has molded scores of percussionists in New York’s Capital District. Richard has led the Empire State Youth Orchestra’s Percussion Ensemble since it formed in 1983. He plays and teaches with every ounce of emotion he has. I am very grateful to know him.

Do you have a favorite non-classical musician or band?

Pink Floyd. I was raised on “dad rock” by my father, Alan. He took me to see Roger Waters in The Wall and Us and Them tours. Their music is simple yet complex along with the messages contained in it. Animals is my favorite of Floyd’s albums.