Stephen Couch, Saxophone, Clarinet & Flute Teacher:
Stephen Couch started his musical endeavors at a very early age studying with renowned clarinetist Nestor Koval, winner of the first prize at the famous Paris Conservatory and head of the woodwind department at Duquesne University. As time progressed he competed and earned first chair in numerous ensembles as well as awards of excellence throughout high school where he was guest soloist and earned soloist excellence award at Carnegie Mellon University solo competition. Afterwards, New England Conservatory selected him for their summer honors camp to study with Kenneth Radnofsky.
Eventually his college education started at Duquesne University and then he received a scholarship to attend Berklee College of Music. During this time he studied with Nestor Koval, Kenneth Radnofsky, Joe Viola, Bob Bolby, and Robert Zung,. He continued to broaden his horizons teaching the wind ensemble and chorus at Dedham Jr. and Sr. High School and eventually receiving his Music Education and Performance degree with honors from Berklee College of Music presented to him by Phil Collins from the band Genesis.
Thereafter, he had the pleasure of teaching in the Pittsburgh area, playing studio work, performing in symphonies, countless shows, concerts, weddings, and dance bands. Through hard work and dedication he had the honor of performing with artis that include Phil Collins, Ray Charles, Harry Connick Jr., Kansas, Jerry Vale, The Four Tops, Don Rickles, Al Martino, The Temptations, Connie Francis. Betty White. and many others.
In addition, his talents also include instrument repair. He worked as a head woodwind repair technician at a prominent music retailer for 15 years and continues to excel at this trade. Subsequently, during his time playing and repairing his private teaching career blossomed. He had the pleasure of private teaching lessons to thousands of students who achieved an exemplary high success rate in auditions in all star competitions, PMEA District I, Regional, State Honor Bands, and Pittsburgh Youth Symphony Orchestra as well as having students perform on the radio and in symphony orchestras throughout the country.
