Claudia ‘Kool Keys’ Rogers, with an extensive background in music, is multi-faceted in her approach to playing. At the tender age of 4, she began piano lessons and music theory under the auspices of Nevilla Ottley.  She gave her first solo piano recital at the age of 6 1/2 playing music of Haydn, Clementi and other such composers.  Ms. Ottley’s childhood teacher, Mrs. June Simms, came down from New York City to hear this prodigy!!!
Teaching herself to play by ear at age 12, she broadened her horizons by accompanying church choirs, starting at Albright United Methodist Church, playing for the Children’s Choir. 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, besides teaching at Ottley Music School, she serves as a Minister of Music leadership role at Bethlehem Baptist Church in Anacostia for 16+ years.  She played for, directed, and led choir rehearsals weekly for at least 4 different choirs at this historic church. She is the Director of the Youth and Young Adult Choir there and plays on 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Sundays. She also served as Director and Pianist for the Tabernacle Echoes for 9 years. 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 has 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.
In March 2014, the ladies performed on Tom Joyner’s Fantastic Voyage cruise.  In October 2015, they were featured as the party band on the Capital Jazz Supercruise.  In March 2016, Centric TV featured Be’la Dona in an interview/-performance highlighting BAWSE women in business.  Currently, they perform every Thursday night at Half Note Lounge, Glen Dale, MD.  They rotate stages across the DMV area, at large venues such as Howard Theater, Bethesda Blues & Jazz, and Maryland Live Casino.  They have various performances in area nightclubs, restaurants, outdoor festivals, and private functions.