Destined to become one of America's leading music educators by developing an idea that would influence music education around the world, Dr. Cooper was born in England around the turn of the 20th century. He received his degree from the University of Manchester and moved to Montreal where he spent 15 years as a high school choral and instrumental director. The he became Supervisor of Music for the Montreal system and director of the McGill University Orchestra and the University Choral and Operatic Society. As Supervisor of Music, Dr. Cooper visited public schools and it was during this time that his future focus evolved. He delved into the mysteries of the changing adolescent voice and developed what is now called the "Cambiata Concept". As a result, the Cambiata Press was established and The Cambiata Vocal Music Institute of America, Inc., a non-profit educational institution which trains teachers in the tenets of the Concept while providing special choral opportunities for young singers. The Cambiata Concept has grown into a comprehensive philosophy and methodology of teaching vocal music to all adolescents.