John Kosch is a composer and arranger currently working in Lincoln, Nebraska. His compositions fuse pop melodies and jazz chords with the intricate rhythms and textures of concert music. Kosch has received several honors for his compositions, including: The Herb Alpert Young Jazz Composer Award, a Student Downbeat Award, first place in the NAfME Young Composers Competition, a merit award from the Tribeca New Music Young Composer Competition, and an honorable mention from Austin Classical Guitar. He is a two-time finalist for the American Prize, and his works have been selected for performances at regional and national Society of Composers conferences, as well as the Brevard Music Festival, Charlotte New Music Festival, and the Cortona Sessions for New Music. He currently teaches applied composition at Concordia University in Seward, Nebraska.

Here is what collaborators have said about his work:

“John is a fantastic composer that led us on a journey of self-discovery through his piece. He was extremely receptive to our requests, and a wonderful teacher to guide us through the improvisation and added electronics. The piece was extremely well-received, and became a highlight of the [ISDR] conference.”

–Ryan Morris, bassoonist, Fenglire

“I really enjoyed collaborating with John on The Four Horsemen. The music he created was accessible and rewarding to perform. The texts he chose was engaging and meaningful. The partnership and communication that led to such a high-quality finished product is a testament to John’s ability as a responsive composer. It has been a pleasure to be a part of the process and perform it with our students.”

–Scott Rieker, director of choral activities, Frostburg State University (MD)

“John Kosch is one of the most versatile and accommodating arrangers I have worked with throughout my career.  Even though I teach at a smaller school with a limited budget, John gave me a professional experience worthy of any program.  His attention to detail and personalization really made the music accessible for my students and made the learning process enjoyable for everyone involved.  John is able to take my vision and make it a reality.  I look forward to working with him for years to come.”

–Dane Christensen, director of choirs, Central City Public Schools (NE)

“I enthusiastically recommend John Kosch! When you hire John, you are getting an experienced composer, gifted artist, and open collaborator. He brings his passion and knowledge to each project, creating something powerfully felt in both ensembles and audiences alike. My students and I loved his work!”

–Hunter Boe, former director of choirs at Wahoo Public Schools (NE)

“John is an excellent musician who is successful at providing clear, creative, and approachable feedback no matter the level of musician in front of him. We performed his work The Peace to Come with one of my young bands, and my students enjoyed his music as well as his ideas when he came to the school for a clinic. Whether it is music instruction, composition, or arranging, he is an excellent resource for bands of all levels and styles!”

–Bryan Timperley, instrumental music teacher, Dell Rapids Public Schools (SD)

“John was very flexible and composed an excellent piece that met the needs of our ensemble. The students also thoroughly enjoyed the time he spent with the group working on it. I would happily recommend John and his work to other band directors.”

–Matt Smoot former director of bands at Lyons-Decatur Northeast Schools (NE)

“John is an incredible composer, arranger, and educator who is able to carefully craft a piece tailor made to your students. Whether it was a middle school concert band in a small town or a marching band in a large city, John was able to create amazing music for me and my students.” 

–Aaron Mathis, assistant director of bands, Lincoln Southwest High School (NE)

former director of bands at Shelby-Rising City Public Schools (NE)