Joao Coca

Portuguese trumpeter João Coca began playing trumpet at an early age. His professional career began in 1988 at age 16 when he enlisted in the Portuguese Army and was a member of the army’s Symphonic Band. In 2012 he joined the Portuguese Army Big Band where he remained for his last 3 years of his military career. He is a graduate of the Music Conservatory David de Sousa, the Hot Club Portugal Jazz School and the University of Music and Performing Arts in Portugal. His teachers and mentors include João Moreira and Laurent Filipe. Additionally, João concluded a degree in Musical Pedagogy with Jos Wuytack.

Aside from the military, João Coca performed from 1988-1996 with the Santos Rosa Big Band where he was featured at a wide variety of venues and international music festivals. He is a regular member of the Swing City Orchestra under the direction of Laurent Filipe.Coca is one of Portugal’s most in demand trumpet players performing with the Phil Collins Legacy Tribute, West Winds Band, The Flamin’ Daisies, Mabel, and notable Portuguese singers such as Toy.