Claudia ‘Kool Keys’ Rogers is the visionary for Kool Keys Koncepts. Birthed in 2003, this company offers Claudia’s unique gift of music by way of live performance, studio production, original songwriting, training/mentoring, directing and arranging. With an extensive background in music, Claudia is multifaceted in her approach to playing. At the tender age of 4, she began piano lessons and music theory under the auspices of Nevilla Ottley. Teaching herself to play by ear at age 12, she broadened her horizons by accompanying church choirs. She transitioned to keyboards while playing in a revue band at age 15. Her early experiences resulted in worldwide tours with Salt N Pepa, Hi-Five, and Crystal Waters. She had the privilege of performing a tribute to musical great Stevie Wonder at the Black Radio Executives Conference in Washington DC. Jazz, Blues, Gospel, Ragtime, Classical, Rhythm & Blues, Go-Go, and Reggae are a few of the musical genres that influence her playing style. Influences such as Stevie Wonder, Joe Sample, Brian McKnight, Frank McComb, Patrice Rushen, George Duke, and others have encouraged her to follow her dreams.

Currently, she serves at Minister of Music at Bethlehem Baptist Church. She is Director of the Youth and Young Adult Choir there and plays on 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Sundays. She also serves as Director and Pianist for the Tabernacle Echoes. She performs with them on 4th Sundays. She is Keyboard Player for Be’la Dona, Washington DC’s finest all-female band. This phenomenal group of musicians have traveled nationally and backed artists such as Erykah Badu, Melanie Fiona, Chrisette Michelle, Estelle, and Vivian Green. They were featured as the House Band for BET’s Black Girl’s Rock tour. Setting the pace in DC for live entertainment, Be’la Dona has given riveting performances at the Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage, Fort Dupont Park (opening for Klymaxx), and The Girl’s Scouts 100th Anniversary celebration on the National Mall.

Bela Dona was featured on the Capital Jazz Supercruise XIII aboard the Royal Caribbean January 16-24, 2020.  At the plateau of a 12-year run, we were honorary recipients of the Washington Women of Excellence “Creative Influencers” Award on March 9, 2020.  The Smithsonian Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage featured us in a video presentation telling our unique story as “Ladies in Go-Go Music.” The final presentation has yet to air.

The consummate professional, Claudia started her own t-shirt line in August 2016 along with graphic designer Janet Cooper-Pitts.  Kool Keys Wear t-shirts for men and women have 5 exclusive designs displaying her trademark name Kool Keys™, which is also her stage name.  The musical tees display a keyboard emblem or in bling with her signature “lips over your heart” design.  The idea came as an expression of gratitude for the support her endearing fans have shown throughout her musical career.  Hands down the best selling t-shirt was the ladies V-neck with Kool Keys in bling.  Customers bought several different colors and wear them boldly as a statement piece.