Rick has been a faculty of the Music Conservatory since 1982. He grew up in New York City and began piano lessons when he was eight, receiving his formal training at the Henry Street Settlement Music School. “Aside from my classical lessons, I always enjoyed improvising and picking out songs on the radio, even when I was really young. By the time I was in high school, 60’s music was in full bloom. Living in close proximity to the Fillmore East and other venues throughout the city gave me a chance to hear all of the great rock bands of that era. I enjoy listening to players who are capable of harnessing tremendous power and emotion within a lyrical and elegant framework.”

Rick completed his undergraduate degree in piano performance at Purchase College Conservatory and at the same time studied jazz piano. “Jazz gave me the freedom to express myself in very personal terms. It also served as a wonderful bridge to understanding the culture of African-Americans directly through their music.”

In 1999, Rick published his book “Piano Power, A Breakthrough Approach to Improving Your Technique,” written with the guidance of numerous medical professionals. “My aim was to shed light on an extremely important subject in a scientific manner using language easily understandable by the lay person. The ideas of synchronization, the use of tension in development of extensor muscles, and the development of sound and rhythm are important elements of my teaching philosophy. As teachers, we are placed in a unique position that may potentially influence the future of our students for years to come. By relating proven facts to our students, instead of information that we feel to be true, we provide a valuable service to our students.”

A sampling of Rick's music can be heard at: www.pianopower.com/Tunes.htm

Photo/Pinsky Studio