About Me

Joseph Cooper is the trumpet professor at Oklahoma State University, an active performer, and a passionate teacher who loves helping musicians grow. He has two decades of experience working with students of all ages, players who are building their skills and discovering their sound. He focuses on strong fundamentals, developing confidence, and making music fun and inspiring.

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His students have gone on to incredible opportunities, including acceptance into top college music programs with scholarships, Summer music festivals, graduate teaching positions, careers in music education and are active music performers across the United States. Before teaching at the university level, he spent many years working closely with middle and high-school students, helping them succeed and learning how to teach fundamental skills from the ground up. His students earned top spots in All-State band, orchestra, and jazz ensembles in Texas and Oklahoma, as well as with the National Youth Orchestra. His students have also done well in competitions with the International Trumpet Guild and the National Trumpet Competition. In 2025, his students won auditions for principal trumpet of the Tulsa Symphony and for the US Navy fleet bands. Former students serve as band directors in middle and high schools across the country. 

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As a performer, Cooper is especially excited about chamber music and creating new music for today’s audiences. In 2021, he co-founded the Composite Brass Duo with saxophonist John Salinas. Together, they perform at national and international conferences and released their debut album, Echo Chamber, in 2025. Since 2023, he is also a member of the Mirari Brass Quintet and enjoys sharing music through performances, outreach, and masterclasses. He believes service is important and is actively involved with the International Trumpet Guild and the National Trumpet Competition, supporting students and trumpet players at every stage of their journey.