Marta Sanders

Marta Sanders-Cooper is a licensed New York City Tour Guide, a MAC and Bistro-award winning singer, devoted wife and loving mother. Today, she is able to weave together her preeminent guiding skills with her renowned cabaret artistry. This gives her the creative juices to develop her hilarious yet dramatic one woman cabaret shows, and also an opportunity to use her performing and communications talents to provide visitor groups to NYC with a truly unique Event Host and City Guide.

Born in Texas, Marta was the second of five children and because her father dedicated his career to serving the greater good they moved every 2 years. Growing up, they relocated throughout the US, and finally to Bogota, Colombia, which is where she spent her high school years. So, travel has always been a part of her life.

It was in South America that Marta's life in music began. From Colombia to Argentina, Marta was moved and inspired by the soul of Latin music, which was reflected in her first album, Corazón Del Alma.

A fiercely independent Marta moved to New York City in 1969 to study musical theatre at the American Music and Dramatic Academy. Following her graduation, went on to sing in night clubs and cabarets around the world. She made her Broadway debut as an original cast member of "The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas.”

In 1981, Marta married her biggest fan, a Brit named Gordon Cooper. Shortly after that they gave birth to their first daughter, Adrienne, with their youngest daughter, Alexay, arriving just under 2 years later. For many years, Marta would try to get on stage as much as possible whilst taking care of their two girls as a stay-at-home mom.

In 1992, Marta discovered the world of tour guiding. It was the perfect opportunity for her to continue to entertain the masses and share her love of her adopted home. Being a professional entertainer, guiding came easy and she found it a very satisfying addition to her skill set.

Soon into her career, Marta became involved with The Guides Association of NYC. She sat on the board of the local professional association for 10 years, 6 of which she served as President and Vice President. In addition to the local organizations, Marta was a founding member of The National Federation Of Tourist Guide Associations, where she served as Vice President and then also as Vice President of The World Federation Of Tourist Guides Associations. She represented US Tour Guides at conferences in Hong Kong, Scotland, and Australia.

Marta has led school groups, Spanish immersion tours, seniors, and corporate. She’s combined her singing and guiding, with her signature “Welcome to NYC” presentation for multiple corporate groups. And she’s no stranger to regality. In 2015, Marta guided the Royal Family of the Netherlands on a private tour, which included the King, Queen, and three Princesses.