Amadeus Sanchez is an American trumpet player, composer, and producer, born on an Air Force base in Dover, Delaware. He began playing the trumpet at the age of 10. His rich cultural heritage from his Korean and Native American background inspires his music and has shaped a deep desire to tell purposeful and unique stories that reflect his diverse roots. 

In 2008, he was accepted into the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston, where he studied under renowned mentors like Charles Lewis. During his time at Berklee, he collaborated with world-class musicians and ensembles, including the Harvard Big Band, further developing his distinctive voice in music.

The move to New York City in 2010 immersed him in the city's dynamic music scene, where he frequented jam sessions and performed with bands across multiple genres. It was during one of these sessions that he caught the attention of legendary jazz pianist Johnny O'Neal, leading to an invitation to perform at the Fat Cat jazz club.

In 2016, he founded the concept for the band Cypherium, blending modern jazz, rock and metal with improvisational storytelling. The band’s debut album, Moral Injury, was inspired by the emotional toll PTSD had on his close friend and community, with its compositions resonating with themes of trauma, healing, and resilience.

His foray into film music began in 2017, when he worked as music supervisor for Gabrielle Hawkins’ short film Criminals, which earned accolades at various film festivals. This opened new doors for Amadeus with the possibilities of music in film scoring.

In 2020, he collaborated again with Gabrielle Hawkins now as a composer for the short film Pandémie demonstrating his emotive musical compositions within the world of visual storytelling.

In 2024, Amadeus released Sins of the Father, a single inspired by Po’Pay and the Pueblo Revolt. Drawing from his Native Picuris Pueblo ancestry, the piece explores powerful themes of resistance, legacy, and identity, weaving his personal experience with historical narratives.

A versatile musician with a passion for storytelling, Amadeus’ work spans multiple genres—from blues, jazz, rock, metal, and film scoring. He seeks to give voice to often overlooked or forgotten narratives, all while pushing the boundaries of contemporary music.

(Banner image by Maran Media)