John Houpt studied at Cincinnati Conservatory of Music, Interlochen School for the Arts and privately with percussionist Owen Seward at Palm Beach Atlantic University. John has performed in every major concert hall from Stuart to Miami and has toured Brazil and Costa Rica. He has performed with The Supremes, the Drifters, the Coasters and many others. He now enjoys being a member of the Space Coast Symphony Orchestra.

What is your favorite aspect about being a musician? Being a musician I feel like it is very easy to “give back” and see others enjoying my gift.

Which composers most inspire you? I am very fond of the Russian Composers, Shostakovich and Tchaikovsky but the one that inspired me the most was Vaclav Nehylbel.  I had a chance to work under him and it was very inspiring and demanding from a percussionist point of view.

What is your favorite recording?  The London Philharmonic’s recording of Kasmir by Led Zeppelin. It really captures the very dark aspects of the piece.

What piece are you looking forward to most in the SCSO's 2010 - 2011 Season?  I am really looking forward to the Mendelssohn concert. His music is so visual. When he sets a scene you can really visualize it.  His music is very clever.