Melody Cooper is originally from New York City.  Melody’s professional training started with the study of classical piano and now includes many years of study of piano and voice, with performance in the pop, jazz, Latin  and classical genres.

She  is combining her years of classical study and New York jazz performance background with her Key West Motown, Latin, and theatre experience to develop a truly versatile career as pianist/vocalist and bandleader.

Highlights from Melody’s New York years include singing with Dexter Gordon at Lincoln Center, with Rashid Ali at Small’s Paradise and her own trio at The Black Orchid.

Currently Melody lives in Key West , Florida, USA.  where she is  a performing member of the unique chamber ensemble Bach to Bossa and the pianist/vocalist with The Paradise Big Band. She is also soprano soloist with the Island Opera Theater and the Keys Chorale. Melody has written and performed several of her own unique jazz, cabaret theater shows, most notably her  one woman show “Torch” which was well received in the US, and at The Edinburgh Theatre Festival.  Melody also spent 10 years touring and recording with the motown revue The Fabulous Spectrelles as the wild redhead “Krissy”  .  Melody sang the lead on their number one dance hit and made 2 tours with this group in the UK.

Well known as a diversified performer, Melody is frequently called upon to put together bands of various sizes and styles for catering and entertainment services in town and is particularly adept at coordinating all the music for wedding ceremonies, receptions and private parties.

Melody had a full 2004/2005 season performing with the Paradise Big Band concert season, and as the soprano soloist with  the Keys Chorale  performances of Elijah and the Bach Magnificat. Also  as Flora in La Traviata, and as the wacky Fariy Godmother in the Frog Prince .Melody was also the band leader, soloist and pianist for Bach’s  Cantata #208 at  St Paul’s Church . Melody joined forces with cello, contrabass, saxophone, piano and guitar for a spectacular tour de force concert which included the Bachianas Brasileras #5 and the debut of her live improvisational piece Sweet River of Mercy.  Other appearances during the  last few seasons include  the Pier House, La Concha, Virgilio’s, The Rooftop Cafe, The American Bar, The Grand Key Resort,  Casa Marina, the Hilton, Audobon House, Hyatt, Ocean Key House as well as in concert at  St Paul’s Church, The Tennessee Williams Theatre and San Carlos Theatre.

Melody is currently working on a new recording, expected to be released in the spring of  2006. Her previous  CD “Journey Through The Heart” is available in local shops and from the artist at performances.

When not singing or playing the piano somewhere in town, you can find Melody behind the scenes at her recording studio, Private Ear Studio at 296-4288 .