Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
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Cooper  Belletto

Cooper Belletto

Metairie,LA

Summary

Young musician with a passion for teaching and studying. Sees teaching as an opportunity for mutual benefit, learning much more than what would otherwise be gained by practicing alone through ideas, passion, and energy brought from students. Will bring a positive, supportive space to students as they find what they desire out of music.

Overview

6
6
years of professional experience

Work History

Teacher's Assistant

St. Bernard Middle
08.2024 - Current
  • Had the opportunity on several occasions to work with middle school students as an assistant to my father, St. Bernard Middle's band director
  • Pertaining specifically to saxophone, helped with embouchure, fingerings, and tuning while preparing for a performance
  • Got to meet the students and see their passion for music, as well as for the community provided by the band.

Volunteer

Next Generation Jazz Band
08.2022 - Current
  • Nonprofit big band with both students and professional musicians of a variety of ages
  • Has been a great opportunity to learn working with students at a variety of skill levels, helping both myself and them succeed through listening and adapting to what's occurring musically
  • Have gotten the opportunity to work with revered New Orleans jazz trumpeter Wendell Brunious, as well as his wife Caroline Brunious, helping students better understand the history of New Orleans music as well as how to approach performing said music through their masterful playing.

Professional Musician

Egg Yolk Jubilee
05.2019 - Current
  • Played a variety of both original compositions and original music
  • Adapted to many different acoustic settings
  • Played as stage band, second line, marching, etc through several different gigs across time playing with the group
  • Got to play at a variety of different venues and festivals, including French Quarter Fest and Poboy Fest

Professional Musician

New Orleans Jazz Orchestra Youth Program
08.2023 - 08.2024
  • Wrote and arranged original music, building on compositions through the ideas and critiques of fellow band mates
  • Toured in Switzerland in June 2024 via the Jazz Ascona festival
  • Worked with other students under a variety of directors

Student Musician

New Orleans Conservatory for Creative Arts
08.2022 - 05.2024
  • Played a variety of different jazz standards, breaking each piece down and learning how to play over changes, implement substitutions, transcribe solos, and maintain a strong sense of rhythm
  • Studied under incredible New Orleans musicians, such as Michael Pellera, Chris Severin, and Steven Gladney
  • Weekly masterclasses were held where guest musicians would perform and speak with the students. Players such as Herlin Riley, Jonny Vidocavich, Oscar Rossignoli, Delfeayo Marsalis, Leroy Jones, and Sullivan Fortner all visited to provide their insights.
  • Had the opportunity to play at Jazz Fest and French Quarter Fest annually with the ensemble.
  • Created lasting connections with my classmates, and listening to their creative voices helped me not only give them a space to succeed, but also helped me build my own vision for where I want to go as a musician.

Education

Bachelor of Arts - Jazz Studies

Loyola University New Orleans
New Orleans
05-2028

High School Diploma -

New Orleans Center For Creative Arts
New Orleans, LA
05-2024

High School Diploma -

Haynes Academy For Advanced Studies
Metairie
05-2024

Skills

  • Adaptable to different environments
  • Years of playing experience
  • Patient and Supportive with students at any playing level
  • Knowledgeable in music theory
  • Positive and level-headed attitude

Timeline

Teacher's Assistant

St. Bernard Middle
08.2024 - Current

Professional Musician

New Orleans Jazz Orchestra Youth Program
08.2023 - 08.2024

Volunteer

Next Generation Jazz Band
08.2022 - Current

Student Musician

New Orleans Conservatory for Creative Arts
08.2022 - 05.2024

Professional Musician

Egg Yolk Jubilee
05.2019 - Current

Bachelor of Arts - Jazz Studies

Loyola University New Orleans

High School Diploma -

New Orleans Center For Creative Arts

High School Diploma -

Haynes Academy For Advanced Studies