Martha Mooke was born in New York City, graduated from the State University of New York at Albany, and earned a master of music degree from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. A pioneer of the electric five-string viola, she has developed a unique musical voice by synthesizing her classical musical training with extended techniques, digital effects processing, and improvisation, while retaining the natural qualities of the instrument. Mooke has performed and recorded with such varied artists as David Bowie, Enya, Moby, Lauryn Hill, Al DiMeola, John Cale, Anthony Braxton, the Turtle Island and Soldier String quartets, Musicians Accord, the Orchestra of St. LukeÂs, and Steve Reich, and she is heard in numerous film scores including Philip GlassÂs sound tracks for Kundun and Koyaanisqatsi. Mooke also created and produces ASCAPÂs new music showcase Thru the Walls.
