Keith Cooper

Biography

Guitarist Keith Cooper is a luminary in the world of guitar performance and music, his journey marked by passion, versatility, and an unwavering commitment to musical excellence. Dr. Cooper’s love for the guitar blossomed from his earliest days surrounded by melodies, propelling him to earn his first music degree from the esteemed Belmont University in Nashville, TN, in 2001. His artistry soon took center stage globally, as he toured extensively across the United States, South America, Europe, Russia, and the Middle East, captivating audiences with jazz ensembles and a dazzling array of musical projects. 

Dr. Cooper has demonstrated exceptional skill across various musical styles throughout his distinguished career. Between 2002 and 2008, while under contract with Reel Loud Records in Brentwood, Tennessee, he produced four critically acclaimed albums, including the notable works Sacred Dance (2005) and A Guitar’s Carol (2007). His expertise extended to educational environments. He served as the chief guitar clinician for the Gospel Music Association at Estes Park, Colorado, and led music ensembles at SBTC in Shriner University, Kerrville, Texas, from 2007 to 2014. In 2009, he assumed the role of music director at First Baptist Church in Fort Worth, Texas, and from 2012 to 2014, he provided instruction to adult learners as a guitar instructor for Collier County in Naples, Florida. 

Dr. Cooper’s artistry has graced the world’s stages, notably during the 2004 Olympics in Athens, Greece, and countries as diverse as Ireland, Latvia, Russia, Israel, and South America. Over the past thirty years, his achievements have earned him recognition from the Dallas Morning News, Fox News Dallas, Daystar Television, 100 Huntley St., and other broadcast media. On tour and in the studio, he has shared the spotlight with multi-platinum acts such as Selah, Colin Raye, and Denver and the Mile High Orchestra, cementing his standing in the Contemporary Christian Music industry. 

His academic accomplishments are as impressive as his performance resume. Dr. Cooper holds a bachelor’s degree in music from Belmont University, a Master of Arts in Christian Leadership from Criswell College, a Master of Arts in Music Education with a focus on guitar from Liberty University, a jazz guitar certification from Berklee College of Music, and a Doctor of Music Education with classical guitar studies from Liberty University.  

Today, Dr. Cooper pours his passion into nurturing the next generation of musicians, empowering students to explore a vast horizon of career paths while encouraging and challenging them on their personal and spiritual journeys. His legacy shines not only in his achievements but in inspiration; he ignites in all who can learn from his remarkable story.