Hi! I am a Montana native and, for the most part, a locally grown musician. I started playing the violin in fifth grade and joined the Billings Symphony five years later. I earned a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Montana State University and a Master's degree from Temple University. My musical studies also led to a summer at the Aspen Music Festival and a year at Indiana University. I perform regularly as a member of the String Orchestra of the Rockies, a leader of Bitterroot Baroque, and as associate concertmaster of the Missoula Symphony. I have completed Bornoff, Orff-Schulwerk, Suzuki, and Musikgarten teacher training. Besides making music, I love hiking, trail running, and spending time with my kids. I am a cat person who loves chocolate, coffee, and wildflowers. I teach orchestra and elementary music at Target Range School, where I have worked since 2012.

Orchestra students will improve their playing and ensemble skills. They will work on rhythm, note reading, improvisation, stage presence, expression and listening skills.

In first grade music students will connect with others in an enjoyable, inclusive environment as they sing, say, dance and play instruments. Their vocabulary will expand as they learn 3-pitch music notation, rhythmic notation, elemental form, and expanded instrument technique.

In second grade students will connect and collaborate with others as they sing, say, dance and play instruments. Multi-beat rhythms are addressed and students learn to read pentatonic melodies. Multiple parts are layered to foster student independence and skill.

Email is the easiest way to get in touch with me: loy.koch@target.k12.mt.us

For orchestra families: Please help your child become a successful musician by establishing a routine of practicing their instrument at home for at least 20 minutes every day.