Louis Kosma

Biography

Lou Kosma teaches double bass at Montclair State University, coaches bass sectionals for the Montclair State University Symphony Orchestra, and works with high school students through the Cali Pathways Program. He also participates in string faculty visits to area schools and community music programs.

Kosma earned his degree in music education with an emphasis in applied double bass from Temple University. His teachers included Roger M. Scott and Edward Arian of the Philadelphia Orchestra, and Henry Portnoi, Principal Bass of the Boston Symphony Orchestra. During the summers of 1967 and 1968, he was a fellowship student at Tanglewood.

After beginning his career with the School District of Philadelphia, Kosma moved to New Jersey, where he taught in Belleville and served as orchestra and musical theatre conductor at Holy Family Academy in Bayonne from 1976 to 1989. He later taught double bass at New Jersey City University for 29 years and currently serves there as Orchestra Director. His previous faculty appointments have also included Kean College, Fairleigh Dickinson University, and SUNY Purchase.

Kosma performed with the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra bass section from 1978 to 2014, serving as Acting Assistant Principal Bass during the 2009–2010 and 2011–2012 seasons. His extensive orchestral career has also included positions as Principal Bass of American Ballet Theatre and the Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic, Acting Principal Bass of the New Jersey Symphony, and a 17-year tenure with the Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra. He has also performed with the New York Philharmonic, Vermont Symphony Orchestra, and Mostly Mozart Festival Orchestra.

In 2002, the Virtu Foundation established its first double bass scholarship in Kosma’s name. In 2014, he received the New Jersey Music Educators Association Distinguished Service Award.

Resume/CV

Download CV

Research

Double bass instruction and ensemble coaching as well as orchestra conducting from elementary to professional levels.