Thomas Koch

Guitar Ensemble

Thomas Koch received his Bachelor's and Master's degree in Music Education from the Hochschule für Musik Köln, and the Hochschule für Musik und Theater Hannover, both in his native country of Germany. He also studied with Maestro Alberto Ponce at the Ecole Normale de Musique in Paris, France.  Thomas has established himself as an inspirational teacher of the classical guitar and his students have received grants and scholarships from institutions like the Sarasota Music Teacher Association, the Andrew Vincent Messina Foundation, Stetson University and other organizations. Thomas is on the Faculty of Booker High VPA since 2003 and the Hecht School of Music since 2000. Prior to his arrival in the United States, Thomas taught at two German conservatories.  Thomas performed recitals in Paris, Berlin, New York (Carnegie Recital Hall), and at the German Embassy Auditorium in Washington DC. Since taking up residence in Florida, Thomas has performed as soloist with the Port Charlotte Symphony, Venice Symphony Orchestra, as well as the Anna Maria Community Orchestra. Locally, Thomas performed recitals at the Church of the Redeemer, the First United Methodist Chapel, Sainer Pavilion at New College of Florida, Selby Public Library Auditorium, David Cohen Hall at the FWC Symphony Center, Selby Garden Outdoor Concert Series and Neel Auditorium. Thomas has worked closely with composers like Takashi Ogawa, John King and Paul Fetler, who wrote and dedicated works to him. In 1997, Thomas' CD Souvenir de Paris was featured during a half hour radio show on German International Radio.