Richard Cuoco is in his 5th year of teaching at Wilbraham Middle School, where he directs the 6th, 7th, and 8th grade bands. Originally from Pepperell, MA, Richard is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts Amherst where he earned a Bachelor of Music degree in Music Education. His musical training began with piano at age 4, and then trumpet in the elementary school band. By high school, he was performing on trumpet, trombone, euphonium, and French horn, the latter of which became his primary instrument in college. After college he began studying percussion and he is now a passionate drummer.

Professionally, Richard has served as Western District Treasurer of the MA Music Educators Association for the past four years and is currently the Western District Chairperson-Elect. In addition to music and teaching, Richard has extensive experience with photography and video production and has worked for several TV studios and video production companies. His photography can be found in galleries, publications, and online at CuocoPhoto.com. His other interests include music production, psychology, physics, barbering, and Star Wars. He resides in East Longmeadow, MA with his fiancée, Allison, and their cat, Ahsoka.