About Me
Justin Cooperman (b. 1998) is a percussionist, composer, and educator currently living in Austin, Texas. His music blends a background rooted in video game music with the ever evolving climate of contemporary percussion. Justin has been commissioned by various universities and public schools across the country and recently had his music premiered by The University of Texas Percussion Ensemble.
Justin was recently selected as a semi-finalist for the 2024 Great Plains International Marimba Competition. He is also a member of the chamber group, The Austin Percussion Collective and recently performed as a guest artist with the 6A mixed honor choir at the 2024 Texas Music Educators Association Convention.
As an educator, Justin is currently a Teaching Assistant at The University of Texas where he teaches and arranges for the Longhorn Band drumline as well as teaches the Longhorn Percussion Ensemble. Previously, Justin served as the Assistant Band Director and Percussion Director at Killeen High School from 2021 to 2023 leading the group to various successes, including multiple accolades at the State Solo and Ensemble contest, a first for the Killeen High School Percussion Ensemble in program history. Along with that, Justin frequently teaches masterclasses as well as private lessons in the Austin area.
Justin is currently working towards his master’s degree at the University of Texas and received his undergraduate degree from Sam Houston State University in 2021. Justin has had the privilege of studying with Thomas Burritt, Ivan Trevino, John Lane, and Brian Graiser. In his free time, Justin enjoys playing video games, cheering on the Dallas Stars, and spending time with his wife, Haylie.