Adam Mamula is a Nashville-based percussionist, singer, and composer whose musical life has taken him from metal clubs and indie-rock stages to symphony halls and international tours. Known for his versatility and wide-ranging experience, he has built a career that crosses genres with ease and curiosity.
Originally from Ohio, Mamula studied music at Youngstown State University (BM 1999) and Cleveland State University (MM 2001), where he developed the percussion skills and musical foundation that would shape his future work. Early on, he made a name for himself as the longtime drummer for the underground metal/punk band MSC, appearing on multiple recordings and earning a reputation for tight, energetic playing.
From 2006 to 2008, Mamula broadened his musical world by performing with the Ohio-based rock band The Zou, known for its eclectic indie-rock sound and creative, artsy vibe. His drumming added power and rhythmic clarity to the band’s adventurous style.
Alongside his work in rock and metal, Mamula has maintained a deep connection to classical and choral music. He has performed with orchestras, worked as a cruise-ship musician, and sung with the Nashville Symphony Chorus, including international performances such as a tour stop in Prague. These experiences helped shape his adaptable and genre-spanning musicianship.
In recent years, Mamula has focused more on composition. His music blends rhythmic drive, colorful orchestration, and a strong sense of storytelling—an approach shaped by his diverse background as both performer and creator. His orchestral piece The Machine was performed by the Nashville Philharmonic Orchestra in March 2025, marking his first full orchestral premiere. In addition, his composition, Heroic Fantasia, won the Mystic Brass Ensemble call for scores and was performed in June 2025.
Current Roles & Projects:
- Freelance Percussionist & Composer (Nashville, TN)
- Substitute Member of the Nashville Philharmonic Orchestra – Performance with the orchestra of Mahler’s 2nd Symphony, May 2025.
- Substitute Member of the Middle Tennessee Sinfonietta – Performance with the orchestra of Prokofiev’s “Peter and the Wolf”, October 2025.
- Educator & Private Instructor – Offering drum set and percussion lessons to students of all levels.
Past Performance Experience:
- Bass singer with Nashville Symphony Chorus – Performed with the ensemble, including an international performance in Prague.
- Cruise ship musician with Holland America, Royal Caribbean, P&O Australia, and Celebrity Cruises, performing in jazz, pop, and show bands.
- Guest percussionist with multiple U.S. symphony orchestras, including the Wheeling Symphony, Erie Philharmonic, Fort Wayne Philharmonic, and Youngstown Symphony.
- Lead singer and keyboardist for Leonard Cohen Ensemble One, a tribute group honoring the late Canadian songwriter.
- Former member of The Zou (rock band), recording and touring extensively across the U.S.
Education:
- Master of Music (Percussion Performance) – Cleveland State University (2001)
- Bachelor of Music (Percussion Performance & Music Education) – Youngstown State University (1999)
