Cooper Phillip: From Singer to Mentor, Inspiring Voices Worldwide
We caught up with Cooper Phillip to talk about her journey as an artist and vocal coach, the power of music, what it takes to develop a strong, confident voice, and more.
With over 10 million streams and a career spanning both performance and vocal coaching, Cooper Phillip has made an undeniable impact in the music world. From growing up in a family of classical musicians to moving to the U.S. to chase her dreams, her journey has been one of resilience, transformation, and artistic growth.
Beyond her own music, Cooper has dedicated herself to helping others unlock their vocal potential, working with artists like Tom Jones, Eric Benét, and John Legend.
In this interview, she opens up about the power of music as a healing force, the mental and physical aspects of vocal training, and what it takes to stand out as an independent artist in today’s industry.
Chris Roditis, Musicngear: You’ve built a strong following as both an artist and a vocal coach. How did your journey in music begin, and what led you to pursue both paths?
I grew up surrounded by music. My parents are classical musicians, so from the very beginning, I was immersed in beautiful classical, traditional, symphonic, and academic music. I started playing piano at six, and by eight, I was learning the harp and practicing ballet. Creativity and art have always been a part of my life, and I knew early on that I wanted to be surrounded by them.
At 10, I discovered my gift for explanation — realizing that if I deeply understood a subject, I could break down even the most complex concepts into simple terms for anyone to grasp. Sharing knowledge became a passion, especially when it came to music and the voice. By 16, I started teaching consistently while also pursuing my singing career.
Both paths feel like my mission. I love performing, healing, and inspiring through my voice just as much as I love helping others unlock their own vocal potential.
Musicngear: Your music carries themes of self-love and empowerment. How do those themes connect with your personal experiences and the way you approach singing?
Singing has been the most healing force in my life. Through singing and songwriting, I’ve been able to process and heal many of the childhood traumas I experienced. One of the most profound challenges I faced was growing up without a father. It left me feeling unloved, unchosen, and believing that I had to be extraordinary to deserve love. Music helped me confront, embrace, and heal those wounds.
Moving from Russia to the United States at 19 to pursue my dream was another transformative challenge. Starting from scratch in a new country was incredibly difficult, but I made it. I built a life as a musician, released my own music, and found creative freedom.
My journey has taught me that dreams are achievable, no matter how daunting the path may seem. Through my music, I aim to inspire others to pursue what they love—because if I can do it, they can too.
Musicngear: You’ve worked with legendary artists like Tom Jones, Eric Benét, and John Legend. What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned from collaborating with such renowned musicians?
The most valuable lesson I’ve learned from working with legendary artists like Tom Jones, Eric Benét, and John Legend is that the bigger the name, the more humble the person. I deeply admire and respect those who, despite their success, remain grounded and use their gifts to inspire millions through music.
It’s been an incredible honor to collaborate, perform, and create with such iconic musicians. Beyond that, working closely with artists as a vocal coach and producer in the studio has been equally rewarding. I cherish every opportunity that comes my way and see each experience as a chance to grow. With every achievement, I strive to become an even more humble and compassionate human being.
Musicngear: Many aspiring singers struggle with confidence. In your experience, what are some of the biggest mental barriers vocalists face, and how can they overcome them?
Confidence in singing doesn’t come from vocal skills alone—it’s much deeper than just the voice. For any artist, having a strong core as a human being is essential. Developing musicality, expanding your knowledge, and staying curious about life are just as important as honing your vocal technique.
We are a reflection of our experiences—the books we read, the music we listen to, and the world around us. The more you immerse yourself in different inspirations, the more unique and compelling your artistry becomes. For me, true confidence comes from knowledge and building a solid musical and personal foundation.
Musicngear: Vocal health is crucial for any singer. What are some essential daily habits or exercises that every vocalist should incorporate into their routine?
Vocal health doesn’t start with singing—it starts with daily habits. Sleep is the top priority for any singer; getting at least 8 hours of rest is essential. Hydration is also crucial for vocal cord function and maintaining a smooth, consistent vocal flow.
Breathwork and body warm-ups, like stretching and yoga, are vital too. I also incorporate vocal osteopathy techniques, such as PIR (Post-Isometric Relaxation) and laryngeal manipulation, which I teach my students to help them care for their voices independently. Every singer is the architect of their own voice, and building a personalized routine ensures that even without a coach, they can maintain and improve their vocal health.
Musicngear: You’ve developed your own approach to vocal training that has reached thousands of singers worldwide. What inspired you to create your own method, and what do you think sets it apart from traditional vocal training?
My method connects three essential components for any artist: body, breath, and voice. I start by scanning the body before working on vocal technique because tension in the body can limit natural resonance and vocal freedom. Addressing and releasing that tension is key to unlocking a singer’s full potential.
Breath correction is another core element. Breathing is often misunderstood or poorly explained in many vocal methods, so I made it a priority to teach proper breath control in a clear and accessible way.
Additionally, I noticed a lack of structured training for vocal agility, especially when it comes to developing riffs and runs. Unable to find a consistent approach, I created my own through years of experience, learning from incredible teachers, and gaining insights from my own vocal journey.
What sets my method apart is its balance of structure and individuality. I’ve taught over 60,000 singers worldwide, offering a broad spectrum of techniques and exercises customized to each singer’s unique needs, allowing them to discover what works best for their voice.
Musicngear: The music industry is constantly evolving. What advice would you give to independent artists trying to establish themselves today?
My advice to independent artists is to stay free, creative, and unafraid to be vulnerable in your music. People connect most deeply when you share your authentic self and tell your own stories.
Stories are a powerful source of inspiration, and when listeners feel that an artist is a real human being who has experienced and overcome challenges, that connection becomes even stronger. In my opinion, authenticity is the key to standing out and building meaningful relationships with your audience.
Connect with Cooper Phillip
Facebook / Instagram / X / Biophonics
About Chris Roditis
Chris Roditis has been an active musician since 1995 in various bands and projects across a variety of genres ranging from acoustic, electronic to nu metal, british rock and trip hop. He has extensive experience as a mixing engineer and producer and has built recording studios for most of the projects he has been involved with. His passion for music steered his entrepreneurial skills into founding MusicNGear in 2012.
Contact Chris Roditis at chrisroditis@musicngear.com
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