The 2007-08 season marks Clay Couturiaux's fourth year as music director of the Monroe Symphony Orchestra. Praised for his dynamic performances, he is recognized for compelling interpretations of the standard and contemporary repertoire, as well as the close rapport he establishes with the musicians he leads. In addition, Couturiaux is the Assistant Director of Orchestras at the University of North Texas where he currently teaches fundamentals of conducting technique and orchestral conducting, administrates the orchestral studies area, and conducts the internationally recognized UNT Chamber and Symphony Orchestras. Other professional conducting engagements include recent performances with the Texas Chamber Orchestra and the Nexus Chamber Orchestra, Austin, TX.

Couturiaux earned the doctor of musical arts degree in conducting from the University of North Texas as a student of Anshel Brusilow, former music director of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra. He further developed his skills through lessons with Hugh Wolff, Neal Gittleman, and Michael Jinbo at the world-renowned Pierre Monteux School for Conductors and Orchestra Musicians, with Harold Farberman and Guillermo Figueroa at Conductors Guild workshops in Puerto Rico, through master classes with Carl Topilow at the Cleveland Institute of Music, and with Pinchas Zukerman and Jorma Panula at the National Arts Centre Conductors Programme in Ottawa, Canada. He earned the bachelor of music degree, magna cum laude, in violoncello performance from UNT as a student of Carter Enyeart. Other teachers include Kate Tamarkin in conducting, as well as Tanya Remenikova, Walter Gray, and Eugene Osadchy in violoncello.

As assistant conductor of the East Texas Symphony Orchestra from 1998 to 2002, Couturiaux appeared with acclaim on regular subscription series and outdoor concerts. From 1997-1998, he was the conductor of the University of Minnesota Campus Orchestra. A proponent of music education, Couturiaux is active as a guest conductor and clinician for high school regional and youth orchestras throughout Texas. In addition to awards from the Pi Kappa Lambda National Music Honor Society, Couturiaux is profiled in the 2004 edition of Who's Who in America.

Clay and his wife, Desirée, are the proud parents of their daughters, Addie Noelle Couturiaux and Ava Joy Couturiaux.