Richard is a Los Angeles based composer, arranger, and performer.  He began his training early as a classical pianist and then studied composition and jazz at the prestigious California Institute for the Arts, and film composition at UCLA.

Richard began his professional career writing jingles for the radio and working as Music Director of American Celebration Restaurant.  He then went on to travel extensively as Music Director for Holland America Cruise Lines, Princess Cruise Lines and Royal Caribbean Cruise lines.  When he returned to the mainland, Richard continued working as an arranger, in addition to playing with the Louis Bellson Big Band, the Buddy Rich Big Band, and Bobby Vinton.  Richard spent ten years at Disneyland, performing with the world-famous Disneyland Big Band and The Golden Horseshoe Jamboree, and he helped create and performed in The Golden Horseshoe Variety Show.  He also served as Music Director/Conductor for the "Disney Legend Bill Justice 90th Birthday Gala" and on ABC Network's pilot of "The Mike and Maty Show."

As an arranger, Richard has orchestrated music for John Williams, The Boston Pops, The London Symphony, The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, The Kodak Theater, Disneyland , and numerous cruise lines.  His original compositions can be heard on television, radio, and film.  He also composed music for several original theatrical productions, including "Poe", "The Water Hole", "Frankenstein", "Snow Maiden", "Nightingale & The Rose", and the children's theatrical experience "Opossum Tails".  Richard has recorded several CDs including "Music Magic", which is royalty-free music for magicians, "That 80's Music", a compilation of original player-piano arrangements., and most recently a project of Sherman Brothers music where he was conducting The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and The London Symphony Orchestra at Abbey Road Studios.

Richard has conducted over 100 musicals, including several west coast premieres, and served as the resident Music Director for both the San Gabriel Valley Music Theatre, one of the largest regional theaters on the west coast, and The Shakespeare League of Pasadena.  He also works regularly as a composer for Pumpkin Pictures.  Richard's music has been featured at the world famous Magic Castle, and he composed for Milt Larsen's "It's Magic", which has celebrated 50 years of magic.

Richard, just this summer, embarked upon his newest métier as the  conductor of The Los Angeles Police Department concert band; which has served the city of Los Angeles and the LAPD for over 100 years.  He is honored and privileged to conduct this great band that serves the community and the police force of the city of Los Angeles. 

 

Richard lives in Simi Valley, a suburb of Los Angeles, with his wife, Elly and two beautiful children; Katelyn and Max.