056 – Kassandra Kocoshis: From Classical to Flamenco to Pop, A Percussionist’s Journey to A Busy L.A. Career

As a freshman in high school, Kassandra Kocoshis was studying classical percussion in a collegiate program, and went on to DePaul University in Chicago to study with members of the Chicago Lyric Opera and Chicago Symphony. But while there, she got turned on to Chicago’s Flamenco scene, and became obsessed with hand percussion and world music. She pursued them further in graduate school at The California Arts Institute, and made a quick and smooth transition into a busy schedule of live and studio work in and around Los Angeles. Her performance credits range from guitarist Vahagni, who fuses Flamenco music with Armenian folk music, to L.A.-based soul band Beat Mosaic, to pop acts like Young the Giant and Kanye West.

In this podcast, Kassandra talks about:

The universal musical concepts she learned as a high school student studying classical percussion

How Flamenco was her gateway to other types of world music

Studying percussion traditions from around the world at Cal Arts

Her connection with hand percussion vs. sticks or mallets

Making connections in LA through school

The relationship between the drummer and the percussionist

The pros and cons of living and working in LA

Seeking out the music and musicians that inspire you, and letting that passion guide your career path.

This episode is sponsored by OnlineDrummer.com

Kassandra Kocoshis endorses Latin Percussion and Amplified Timber.