Clay Couturiaux is the Assistant Director of Orchestras
at the University of North Texas where he currently teaches fundamentals
of conducting technique and orchestral conducting, administrates the orchestral
studies area, and conducts the UNT Chamber and Symphony Orchestras as
assistant conductor. In addition, Couturiaux is the music director of
the Monroe Symphony Orchestra in Louisiana. Other professional conducting
engagements include recent performances with the Texas Chamber Orchestra
and the Nexus Chamber Orchestra, Austin, TX.
Couturiaux earned the doctor of musical arts degree in conducting from
the University of North Texas as a student of Anshel Brusilow, graduating
from UNT in 2000. He further developed his skills through lessons with
Hugh Wolff, Neal Gittleman, and Michael Jinbo at the world-renowned Pierre
Monteux School for Conductors and Orchestral Musicians, with Harold Farberman
and Guillermo Figueroa at Conductors Guild workshops in Puerto Rico, through
master classes with Carl Topilow at the Cleveland Institute of Music,
and with Pinchas Zukerman and Jorma Panula at the National Arts Centre
Conductors Programme in Ottawa, Canada. He earned the bachelor of music
degree, magna cum laude, in violoncello performance from UNT as a student
of Carter Enyeart. Other teachers include Kate Tamarkin in conducting
as well as Tanya Remenikova, Walter Gray, and Eugene Osadchy in violoncello.
As assistant conductor of the East Texas Symphony Orchestra from 1998
to 2002, Couturiaux appeared on regular subscription series and outdoor
concerts. In 1997-98, he was the conductor of the University of Minnesota
Campus Orchestra. Couturiaux is active as a guest conductor and clinician
for high school regional and youth orchestras throughout Texas. In addition
to awards from the Pi Kappa Lambda National Music Honor Society, he is
profiled in the 2004 edition of Who’s Who in America.