Loire (Lori Cotler)

Loire Cotler, (born Lori Beth Cotler) is a Jewish American Jazz Rhythm Vocalist, composer, recording artist, educator and certified Music Therapist known for her outstanding Konnakol, Scat singing and original jazz standard interpretations. Born in New York City and raised in Roslyn Estates, New York, she began studying piano at age six and began writing songs at 11.

Loire attended a gifted magnet school for the performing arts called Long Island High School for the Arts and was chosen as honorary speaker and performer at the graduation ceremony. She went on to earn a Bachelor's degree of Music from Berklee College of Music in Boston, followed by a Master's Degree in Music Therapy from New York University.

During her teens her Jazz mentor Dave Burns introduced Loire to scat singing, which similar to Konnakol, demanding the vocal reproduction of complex and often up-tempo instrumental material. Other important teachers include, Piano and Harpsichord virtuoso Barbara Kupferberg and Jazz Vocalists Bob Stoloff, Mili Bermajo, and Dominique Eade.

She contributes much of her rhythmic approach and Konnakol studies to her collaboration (2002–present) with composer and four-time Grammy winner Glen Velez. She has also studied Konnakol with Ghatam and Konnakol master Subash Chandran. She has also studied briefly with the Mrdangam master Vinod (VR) Venkataram.

She conducts master classes and workshops at The Juilliard School and other prestigious conservatories and universities around the World.

Loire was a Professor of Music Therapy at The New School (2001–2007) and worked extensively in clinics and hospitals around New York City with populations as Adult Psychiatry, Foster Children/At-Risk Teens, Autism and Brain Injuries. Her Music Therapy expertise has greatly influenced her approach to the voice. Loire continues to lend her talents to supporting Music Therapy charities and has been actively collaborating with Sounding Joy Music Therapy, Inc.

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