Dean Cooper has been playing drums since an early age, growing up immersed in the Big Band/Jazz music of Glenn Miller, Count Basie, Buddy Rich, Louis Bellson and Ella Fitzgerald.  Such influences naturally steered his playing towards a recognised big band feel and style of drumming. His father, who is also a drummer, provided a great deal of valuable assistance and encouragement, while his studied reading, phrasing and time keeping under Ron Sandilands. 
He has a huge amount of jazz, big band and musical theatre experience and has played on some of the biggest shows ever to come to Australia. In partnership with Pearl since 1996, he plays and promotes the Pearl Drum Kit exclusively.