This has been a memorable year so far. It started out with me being presented with the Lifetime Achievement in Music Education award from Offbeat Magazine in January. I was not expecting this at all and am very honored to have been chosen for this award as there are so many great music educators in this city that also deserve recognition.

Jazz Fest this year was tremendous. Pat Casey and I presented the music of Jaco Pastorius in the Jazz Tent to a packed house. I also did several gigs in New Orleans and Baton Rouge with Larry Seibert as well as Jazz Fest with him and his band "Estrella Banda". During this period we also recorded some new songs of Larry's which I can't wait to hear as it's still in the production stage.

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My quintet has been performing once in a while at Snug Harbor, the Ellis Marsalis Center for Music, and I'm thrilled at how good the band is sounding.

 

I continue as a music educator in New Orleans and am also performing locally. I'm on the faculty at the Heritage School of Music, and I'm an adjunct professor teaching private students at the University of New Orleans.  I also direct a high school Jazz Band at the International High School of New Orleans. The Heritage School of Music is a free program offered to students in the New Orleans area between the ages of 10 and 17.  We teach the students theory and how to play Jazz.  I love working with these kids because they are serious about becoming professional musicians, and they are learning from some of the best instructors in this city.

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I have started a YouTube channel called "Rick's Licks" and have recorded many drum set lessons based on my book, "Independence on the Drum Set". You can check it out by going to: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWQaZWs0K7OIDCFakSjNWrg 

 

My book "Independence on the Drum Set", will be coming out as an e-book on Amazon. I'll be re-vamping my web site and including a link to the new e-book. Modern Drummer had this to say about my book: "This is a book that you'll dogear for the rest of your life".  I also have a new book entitled "Mastering Rhythm and Phrasing in Music" for all instruments and vocalists. It will be available on my web site and on Amazon as well soon.

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I remain available for private lessons and have a studio at Spreading the Music, 2436 Valence Street, New Orleans, LA.  You can go to the schools web site and schedule lessons with me by clicking here. 

I am also offering Skype and Zoom lessons online.  All you need is an iPad or a laptop and Skype/Zoom to get started.  Lesson fees can be paid using PayPal.  To reach me for a lesson, please go to the "Contacts" page.

 

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