Nathan Vilhena Kock continues to pursue his aspirations to serve as a freelance musician and educator. Described as resilient, high-energy— “walks as if he is 5 minutes late to everything”—, and passionate in everything he does, he began his musical journey practicing the saxophone and clarinet until the late hours of the night in his restroom. His performance career took off in just the 8th grade, playing with the Texas A&M International University (TAMIU) Philharmonic Orchestra as Clarinetist/Bass Clarinetist/Saxophonist for the local Theatre Guild’s annual production entitled “Cinderella.” After experiencing Texas Marching Band, UIL, and TMEA in High School, Nathan then went to pursue a double major in Music Education and Clarinet Performance at the University of North Texas, under the tutelage of Kimberly Cole Luevano, Greg Rayden, and Deborah Fabian. Throughout his time at UNT, he furthered his aspirations as clarinetist by earning titles such as Finalist in the 2019 International Clarinet Association Young Artist Competition, as well as Semi-Finalist in the UNT Concerto Competition. Additionally, he served as section leader in the North Texas Green Bridgaede Marching band, and performed/recorded with the North Texas Wind Symphony, under the baton of Eugene Corporon. To finish off a well rounded undergraduate experience, Nathan served was a student teacher in Fort Worth, TX and was a recipient for the 2021 TMEA Student Teacher Scholarship. His essay was selected to be published in their monthly magazine issue, entitled Southwestern Musician. He spent the following summer (2021) studying at the Minnesota Clarinet Academy, where he was selected to perform in a masterclass with Alexander Fiterstein (Peabody University) and Sangyoon Kim (University of Minnestoa & Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra). Nathan then went on to pursue a degree at Northwestern University where he currently studies with Stephen Williamson and Todd Levy; after studying for a year with Steve Cohen and Marc Nuccio. He served as the Graduate Assistant for the clarinet studio, and performed as section leader/soloist with the Symphonic Wind Ensemble and Symphony Orchestra. His Chamber Quintet was selected to perform at the North Shore Senior Center for community outreach. In 2022, he was selected to performed in a masterclass with Berlin Philharmonic's Principal Clarinet, Wenzel Fuchs. Post graduation (2023), Nathan now serves as a Freelance Musician and Educator, serving as an associate with the Civic Orchestra as Chicago, and performing with groups such as the Chicago Sinfonietta and Chicago Wind Symphony. He teaches clarinet privately and coaches woodwinds with bands in Skokie, IL.
In his free time, Nathan enjoys doing gymnastics, playing frisbee, traveling, watching anime, and spending quality times with his friends and family.