KATAHJ COPLEY
Georgia native, Katahj Copley (he/him/his) premiered his first work, Spectra, in 2017 and hasn’t stopped composing since. As of now, Katahj has written over 100 works, including pieces for chamber ensembles, wind ensembles, and orchestra. His compositions have been performed and commissioned by universities, organizations, and professional ensembles, including the Cavaliers Brass, California Band Director Association, Admiral Launch Duo, and “The President’s Own” Marine Band. Katahj has also received critical acclaim internationally with pieces being performed in Canada, the United Kingdom, Japan, China, and Australia.
Katahj received two Bachelor of Music degrees from the University of West Georgia in Music Education and Composition in 2021. In 2023, he received his Masters in Music Composition from the University of Texas at Austin - studying with Omar Thomas and Yevgeniy Sharlat. He is currently studying music composition at Michigan State University.
Aside from composing, Katahj is an excited educator who teaches young musicians the joy of discovering music and why music is a phenomenal language.
“Music for me has always been this impactful thing in my life. It can soothe, it can enrage, it can quiet, and it can evoke emotions that are beyond me and this world we live in. I believe that music is the ultimate source of freedom and imagination. The most freedom I have had as a musician was through composing. Composition is like me opening my heart and showing the world my drive, my passion, and my soul.”
SOCIALS
(PHOTOGRAPHY FROM PINNACLE PHOTOGRAPHY)
Education
AUGUST 2016 - MAY 2021
AUGUST 2021 - MAY 2023
AUGUST 2023 -
University of West Georgia, B.M in Music Composition Music Education
University of Texas At Austin , M.M in Music Composition
Michigan State University, DMA Candidate in Music Composition
WHAT PEOPLE SAY
JERRY JUNKIN,
UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN
"Katahj Copley is one of the most extraordinary composers of his generation. His music, for a variety of media, is always poignant while at the same time exciting for performers and audiences alike. If you do not yet know his name, stand by, because soon everyone will be clamoring for his music."
Dr. CHRISTOPHER CARR,
Carrollton High School
"Katahj Copley's music contains heartfelt melodies combined with soulful harmonies. His compositions are vulnerable and authentic allowing students to make genuine connections to the music. My students and I have thoroughly enjoyed preparing Copley's music, especially Where The Sky Has No Stars, Halcyon Hearts, Haywire, and Grosso Blue."
DR. DANIEL BELONGIA,
Arkansas Tech University
"Katahj Copley is truly a gift to wind band music! His voice is fresh, emotional and exciting; exhibiting textures and colors that are engaging to performers and the listener. Further, he is a consummate collaborator, who is wonderful with students and a joy with which to work as a conductor. I have been very fortunate to have worked with Katahj several times, and look forward to many more!"
DR. EVAN FELDMAN
University of North Carolina Chapel Hill
"We used Katahj Copley's "Equinox," for full orchestra, on a series of educational concerts. The colors, energy, and drive of the piece never failed to move the audience, and for many members of the orchestra it was among their favorite pieces to play (especially impressive considering we played it over 10 times over the run of the show!)."