Born and raised in Grafton NSW, Koominka (Koomi) took up the trumpet at age 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… just as Koomi was old enough to join.
While growing up, Koomi played in ensembles at the Clarence Valley Conservatorium in Grafton and travelled around NSW for lessons, including occasional lessons with Sarah Butler in Brisbane and Paul Goodchild in Sydney. Koomi 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.
Koomi completed his Bachelor of Music Performance at the Sydney Conservatorium under the tutelage of Paul Terracini and Andrew Evans. While studying, Koomi was awarded the Sydney Scholars full academic scholarship for the duration of his degree, and was presented with the Sydney Conservatorium Association’s Award for Excellence in Trumpet in 2019. Since graduating, Koomi has continued his studies privately under Owen Morris. In 2023, Koomi commenced his first year of study at ANAM with Yoram Levy and David Elton.
Koomi particularly enjoys the collaborative elements and camaraderie of music making, and primarily focuses on orchestral and chamber playing. He has performed in many Sydney-based ensembles, including the Willoughby Symphony Orchestra, The Metropolitan Orchestra and Ensemble Apex.
Outside of performing, Koomi also enjoys teaching and, until 2023, could be found reminding students to ‘blow in the small end’ at St Aloysius’ College and The Scots College in Sydney. He also enjoys op shopping, running, and confusing the Spotify algorithm with his listening habits.
FROM: Grafton, NSW. Lands of the Bundjalung
Koominka’s training at ANAM is fully supported by ANAM Syndicate donor, the Anthony and Sharon Lee Foundation
Photo by Pia Johnson