Ross Copperman

Copperman's publicist, sophomore Katherine Ross, said she was hoping for at least a substantial crowd, "especially with Ziggy Marley and Ace and Mallory of ‘The Real World' being here." Despite the looming presence of other campus events that night, more than 420 supporters attended the show.
Copperman's performance was saved for the end of the event. Copperman's unruffled composure also shined through when after a audio failure, he picked up a guitar impromptu and serenaded the crowd, sans amplifiers.
His polish was evident from Copperman's humorous tributes to Clay Aiken and Enrique Iglesias and the exploratory rock-rap duet with Carrington Faulk.
Copperman's whole performance was truly indicative of expert showmanship and the fruits of his piano lessons since the age of 4.
http://www.thebreeze.org/archives/2.26.04/style/style3.shtml
- JMU

There also were workshops in the visual and performing arts, including dance and music that special needs students could participate in. At lunchtime the students enjoyed a concert by junior Ross Copperman, who played his guitar and sang songs to them.
"Playing for kids at the VSA festival made me feel like my music career is really worth it," Copperman said, who added that the kids’ happiness made him feel the show was successful.
http://www.thebreeze.org/archives/4.5.04/focus/focus1.shtml
- JMU

His next song, "Fly Away," which he said was written for a friend who had been depressed, contained eerily poetic lyrics, complemented by a Billy Joel-quality raspiness in his voice.
http://www.thebreeze.org/archives/10.27.03/style/style4.shtml
- JMU

07.28.04
Ross Copperman: Believe

This endearing album is reminiscent of Gavin DeGraw due to its smooth piano-driven rock sound. In "Dear Life", Copperman takes his songwriting skills over to the creative side as he questions his being. "Ordinary" has a catchy loop with an almost Fooling April feel to it as he rhythmically sings, "Take charge, you can't hold me down/Fly high, but never leave the ground/Live life as a tuneful melody/Show courage and set your spirit free." Elements of Ryan Cabrera and Ben Folds also poked through as I listened, which gave it an eclectic edge. Most of all, this singer-songwriter exudes depth and the ability to convey it in sweet harmonies.
Favorite Tracks: Ordinary, Believe
Rating: 4 stars - Discovering artists

Review By: Daniel
Reviewer Email: ukfan_daniel@yahoo.com
Review Date: 6/18/2004
Awesome CD... I've heard Ross live several times as well and he doesn't disappoint. This CD is a prime example of exceptional talent in music, vocals, and song-writing. You won't be able to remove the disc once you start listening to it. Pick up the CD and check out Ross' website as well: www.rosscopperman.com - freshtracksmusic.com

Baby Grand Ambition
By Michael A. Knipp

Dedicated to joining the ranks of Ray Charles, Stevie Wonder and Alicia Keys, native Roanoker Ross Copperman has been finessing his fingers since he was a toddler.A piano prodigy at a young age, this former Glenvar High School student was pounding the ivories before he learned his ABCs. Now 22 years old and a graduate of James Madison University, Copperman is ready to show the world what he‘s made of. If it’s anything like his predecessors, he’s about to pop the top off a dying art.
- City Magazine

When Ross Copperman is on stage, he is what every mother dreams her son will be when she takes him to his first piano lesson.
And as the talented performer's fingers magically dart up and down the keyboard, members of the audience who started piano lessons wish they had not stopped.
The 22-year-old Copperman, who will graduate from James Madison University next week with--what else?--a music degree, is fast making a name for himself both in Virginia and in New York.
This summer, only a year after he decided to become a performer, the singer-songwriter-pianist opened for such acts as Rod Stewart, Gavin DeGraw, John Mayer and Maroon 5.
Last week, the Roanoke native opened for former Mickey Mouse Clubber Tony Lucca at Jammin' Java, a Northern Virginia coffeehouse, and added more fans to his growing list.
"He has an optimistic outlook that you don't often see at coffeehouses," said one member of the audience, who had traveled up from the University of Mary Washington for the show.
Optimism seems to be ingrained in this young man, who has set his sights on the top of the pop-rock world. "Confidence is key," Copperman said. "You have to get up there and own the stage. I always performed, but I didn't have the confidence I do now."
These days Copperman averages 10 to 12 gigs a month. It's a schedule that, combined with schoolwork, keeps him hopping.
Most of his shows are on area college campuses, where he has developed a growing following. Twice a month, however, he drives to New York to perform at the Bitter End, the Greenwich Village coffeehouse where Bob Dylan got his start.
With boyish good looks reminiscent of a Backstreet Boy, Copperman is polished and professional on stage.
His music, however, is more old-school and adult, which discourages any possible teenybopper following. At times, his style reminds one of Elton John or Paul McCartney.
Copperman is striving to be the next one. He seems to have the talent, looks and charisma necessary and is willing to work hard and sacrifice to reach his goal. - The Free Lance-Star