Brightmusic Chamber Ensemble

Ashley Cooper enjoys a multifaceted career that allows her to share her passion for music with children and adults alike. She is currently the Visiting Assistant Professor of Violin at the Greenwood School of Music at Oklahoma State University and the Center Director for Early Childhood Education at the GSM Preparatory Academy. Prior to OSU, she was a faculty member at Concordia University (TX), Texas Lutheran University, Austin Chamber Music Center, Regents School of Austin, and the International Music Academy in Houston. Professor Cooper has over 20 years of experience teaching private violin lessons, leading violin sectionals, coaching chamber music, teaching music fundamentals classes for young children, and creating engaging educational outreach concerts.

Professor Cooper is an avid orchestral musician and held tenured positions in the First Violin sections of the Austin Symphony (2012 - 2022) and Austin Opera (2012 – 2019). She has also performed with the Tulsa Symphony and Tulsa Opera. In 2023, Ashley became a member of the First Violin section in the OKC Philharmonic.

Ashley has taught and performed at music festivals nationally including SXSW, Victoria Bach Festival (TX), Mozart Festival (TX), Grand Teton Music Festival (WY), Garth Newel Chamber Music Festival (VA), Belvoir Terrace Performing Arts Camp (MA), and PhoenixPhest Chamber Music Festival (MI). An active chamber musician, she has also collaborated with the Maya String Quartet, Texas Bach Festival, Austin Eurythmy Ensemble, Austin Chamber Ensemble, Artisan String Quartet, Classical Music for the World, Round Rock Symphony Chamber Music, and Da Camera of Houston.

Ashley Cooper received a Master of Music degree from Rice University and a Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Michigan.