Born and raised in Grafton NSW, Koominka took up the trumpet aged 7 in a desperate attempt to keep up with his older, trombone-playing brother in the local jazz band. In a twist of fate, the band promptly ceased performing as soon as Koominka was old enough to join. While growing up, Koominka played in the Clarence Valley Conservatorium’s ensembles in Grafton and travelled around the North Coast of NSW for lessons, including a year travelling to Brisbane to study with Sarah Butler. Koominka also regularly travelled to Sydney to participate in the NSW Arts Unit ensembles, played trumpet in the Schools Spectacular orchestra and was invited to participate in the Arts Unit’s 2014 international tour.
Koominka completed his Bachelor of Music Performance at the Sydney Conservatorium under the tutelage of Andrew Evans, and later studied privately with Owen Morris. Koominka was awarded the Sydney Scholars academic scholarship for the duration of his degree, and was presented with the Sydney Conservatorium Association’s Award for Excellence in Trumpet. He first joined ANAM in 2023, before relocating to Perth in 2024 to undertake a year-long contract with the West Australian Symphony Orchestra. Koominka returned to ANAM in 2025 to continue his studies with teachers David Elton and Yoram Levy.
Koominka particularly enjoys the collaborative elements and camaraderie of music making, and focuses on orchestral and chamber playing. Outside of performing, Koominka enjoys op shopping, running and spending too much money on coffee.
FROM: NSW. Lands of the Bundjalung people.
Photo by Pia Johnson