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Kyle Coughlin's Bio

Kyle Coughlin earned both his doctorate and masters degrees in clarinet performance from the Peabody Conservatory as a student of Loren Kitt, principal clarinetist of the National Symphony Orchestra. He completed his bachelors degree at the University of Maryland College Park as a student of Ed Walters. He also plays saxophone, flute, and electric bass.

Dr. Coughlin has written and published eleven books, featuring works for beginning clarinet, jazz etudes for woodwinds, Christmas duets for woodwinds, and The Fundamentals of Rhythm, a step-by-step method to help student improve their skills. Dr. Coughlin also has designed and created numerous educational websites.

A versatile and prolific performer, Dr. Coughlin works frequently with a variety of ensembles. He has worked with the saxophone section of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra since 2004, and he is a member of the band the Junkyard Saints. He has played in the Baltimore Chamber Orchestra, Annapolis Symphony, Concert Artists of Baltimore, the Maryland Philharmonic, and Handel Choir of Baltimore. He has also played numerous shows at the Kennedy Center, Wolftrap, and the Lyric Opera House and Hippodrome Theatre in Baltimore. His solo and chamber performances have led to concerts throughout the United States, as well as France and Italy.

Dr. Coughlin is a full-time faculty member at Howard Community College, where he is coordinator of jazz, winds, percussion, and music technology. He directs the school’s jazz ensemble and small jazz groups, teaches private lessons, music fundamentals, and jazz improvisation.

Dr. Coughlin composed and performed the music for two jazz CDs: When Afternoons Return and In the Shadow of Palms. He has also recorded on several other CDs as a sideman. His music has been featured on television programs on CBS, PBS, and Fox, and his composition Fragmentary Blue was used in the show The Good Wife.