Rick is an experienced and well studied musician, having been able to study under many masters of the jazz language. While still in High School he was invited to attend the prestigious Skidmore Jazz Institute, where he had the opportunity to study with Reene Rosnes, Bill Cunliffe, Todd Coolman, Terrell Stafford, Randy Brecker, and Ed Shaughnessy. While there he was also awarded the annual scholarship award, awarded to an outstanding young jazz musician. During this time, he had the opportunity to open for Chick Corea and Michel Camilo. He continued on to study at the University of Miami. While at the University of Miami he had the opportunity to take the stage with Adonis Rose, Tierney Sutton, and Jon Secada, was a featured member of the Salsa Orchestra, and was also the recipient of a Student Downbeat Award. Rick has also taken the stage with jazz heavyweights like Gary Smulyan and Trent Austin. As a teacher, Rick has instructed students of all levels and ages. Currently based in New York City, Rick is a working musician in the young music scene.

Check out the Indaba Theory and Composition program hosted by yours truly:

http://www.indabamusic.com/studio_access/theoryandcomp

Indablog Posts:

http://www.indabamusic.com/indablog/6384-the-importance-of-diversity-a-jazz-pianist-s-non-pianistic-influences
http://www.indabamusic.com/indablog/6613-paper-cha-erz-the-art-of-the-collab
http://www.indabamusic.com/indablog/6688-jazz-and-hip-hop-music-of-the-same-language
http://www.indabamusic.com/indablog/6690-playing-by-ear-vs-reading-music-the-struggle-
http://www.indabamusic.com/indablog/6689-the-modern-jazz-reworking-of-the-great-american-songbook
http://www.indabamusic.com/indablog/6935-holiday-music-as-nostalgia-
http://www.indabamusic.com/indablog/6904-the-species-disconnect
http://www.indabamusic.com/indablog/7177-new-and-hip-jazz
http://www.indabamusic.com/indablog/8097-electronic-music-vs-acoustic-music
http://www.indabamusic.com/indablog/11927-the-state-of-jazz

Reviews:

http://www.indabamusic.com/indablog/6561-paper-cha-erz-volume-1
http://www.indabamusic.com/indablog/7599-nilla-releases-new-album
http://www.indabamusic.com/indablog/7818-indaba-members-family-of-the-year-release-new-ep
http://www.indabamusic.com/indablog/8898-emily-greene-releases-new-album

In the NYC area I am available for gigs, sessions, and recording. Payment contingent upon time commitment/situation.

When things are going well, quickly and well.
When I'm stuck, I play my piano until I'm not
Then quickly and well again.
When Logic has a quirky glitch, I berate my computer until it behaves.
Then quickly and well again.
When someone doesn't like what I've done, I save it because it's probably awesome. Then I sit in a corner for an hour, listen to either Brahms, Mehldau, Lil' Wayne, or J Moss and try again.
Then quickly and well.