Ray Cooper
With a network of Artist Centres and Ateliers around the world, Yamaha works with leading players to support their performances and develop instrument designs and new ideas for the benefit of all musicians. Yamaha Artists share with us a passion for inspiring the next generation of players, and a belief that everybody should be encouraged to nurture their talent, connect with others and tell their stories through music.
Get to know Yamaha Artist and Percussion Player Ray Cooper
Statement about your relation with Yamaha or your instrument:
Yamaha are a beacon of hope and joy for the future of music. Beautifully crafted instruments are an inspiration and the union between musician and his/her instrument is where the magic begins. With the onslaught of various new technologies, machines that can represent musical sounds etc. it is even more important to make live music; to represent humanity perhaps at its best; to make reference for how we as human beings can work and dance together. Music is a joyous global language. It is the liquid architecture of our emotions. Thank you Yamaha for supporting music in such an exemplary way.
How does your instrument help you in your daily life as an artist?
I am privileged to be a percussionist, to work and to enjoy being an explorer and guest in the largest orchestral family "The Percussion Family" it is a global family. Instruments from all parts and cultures of the world. Sheer magic. As a percussionist one is given the opportunity to have as many multiple characteristics as indeed the instruments have. I am often working as rhythm section player, then on other occasions being a sound and lyric colourist and as the maestros of composition throughout time have used percussion instruments to express the percussive punctuation of their musical dialogue… With Yamaha's help and support I continue to play around the world the myriad of percussion instruments that explore classical, jazz, rock and most forms of new, modern music.
How would you characterise your instrument?
The magical percussion instruments that I work with and learn from constantly are the reason that I am an artist. I endeavour to introduce the audiences that I perform in front of to the subtle sounds, the powerful resonances, the power of the instruments and the soulful trusting bond/ dialogue between player and instrument that enables us to build a bridge of mutual understanding for us all to embrace and celebrate. I have a deep respect for all the instruments that I play and make music with and a never ending interest for their evolution and history as well as the deepest respect for the craftsmen and women who continue to design, build and make such beautiful instruments. The continuous collaboration between musician and instrument maker is essential and so important. For me making music is not an occupation. It is a glorious pre-occupation.
Who was your most influential teacher and is there any advice which you still follow?
In my early student years I was privileged to have two extraordinary musical mentors: Jeremy Monatgu, my first percussion teacher. He ignited the fire that enabled me to dare to dream of the possibility that I could have music as my life’s journey, he changed my life and I will be forever grateful to him. In turn he introduced me to the extraordinary percussion maestro James Blades. I studied with James Blades at The Royal Academy of Music and after my studies began my professional career. The next mentor, dear friend and someone who taught me so much about how to sustain my career was the most musical and brilliant drummer/percussionist, Barry Morgan. One of the most prolific session players in the UK. I owe everything to these three giants of the language of music and to “The percussion family’s” role in the formation of that language. Nowadays my inspiration and excitement comes from watching/hearing and working with composers, musicians, actors and artists from all parts of this magnificent musical planet.
Advice for a young musician:
One of the most salient pieces of advice I can offer to young musicians is to always believe that the future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams. Always embrace your inquisitiveness, seek out and explore music from all parts of this magnificent world. Never stop listening/watching and feeling (Puccini said that "music is noise brought to order by wisdom"). Visit museums, watch plays/films, read books, all the arts feed into music as in turn music feeds into them. A musicians life journey and endeavour should be to always embrace, listen and be inspired by the music of all peoples, of all cultures and to always be open for musical collaboration and exploration. This magical musical language has so many joyous dialects, a musicians journey and endeavour is surely, with humility to attempt to understand them all!