Augusta Prep Faculty Profile: Ryan Kho

Background: Kho, who was born in Hong Kong and grew up in Canada, didn’t have teaching on his radar as a youth. He grew up thinking about being a neurosurgeon, like his grandfather. He played tennis as a youth; his uncle played for China in the Davis Cup and also played in Wimbledon. Kho  played the violin as a youth; his mother was a pianist, while his father was a dentist before becoming an attorney.

He chose the musical path, attending the New England Conservatory of Music on a full scholarship and receiving a bachelor’s degree in music. Upon graduation, he spent his first career as a concert violinist.

 

He taught during summers in San Francisco. He took the Hong Kong Orchestra on its debut to France. He has played violin all over the world, including a performance at the famed Carnegie Hall.

 

In 1990, he came to Augusta as concertmaster (second only to the conductor) of the Augusta Symphony. He continued in that role for 19 years, while also teaching music at the University of South Carolina, the University of Georgia and Georgia Southern University. He also tutored math on the side, “for fun,” he said.

 

Following his retirement from the Augusta Symphony, Kho received his Master of Arts in Teaching from Augusta University. He soon found a teaching position at Augusta Prep. 

Kho continues to teach at Augusta University in the school's conservatory program, leading the Youth Orchestra of Greater Augusta. Kho, a violinist, who is married to a cellist and has a son in the Middle School, fills in when the Augusta Symphony needs additional players.

Hobbies: Gourmet Cooking (French and Asian are his specialties), Gardening, Chess, Tennis, Runs 10K events

What he enjoys about Prep: "I enjoy the students. I enjoy the fact that every student is supported by their parents, supported by the faculty and staff.

"There's not one specific thing I enjoy. Anything you do here you're supported to your job the best you can so you can help the child. I think the support system at Prep is fantastic.
"The greatest part is we're like one big family. If there's anything you don't know, people are willing to help."