Classically trained since the age of five, Richard went on to study music at CSUN (Cal State University Northridge).
Richard has never lost sight of the lesson instilled in him by his Russian concert piano teacher and mentor, the late Dony
Bronston, to "make the keys sing". Richard takes these words to heart, making the keys sing with such fluidity,
sensitivity, and grace that one wonders if there are actually four hands playing instead of two. He embodies a style recognized
by some of the biggest entertainers in the industry. Most recently, in September 2006, Richard was featured on stage in a
dualing-piano performance with Marvin Hamlisch and later accompanied Broadway star J. Mark McVey (Les Miserables).
Richard
has performed for and/or accompanied Rod Stewart, Connie Stevens, Shirley Jones, as well as Broadway stars Dale Kristien,
Michael Maguire, Sean McDermott, and Christina Andreas, among many others. Other credits include: In-house pianist at Hotel
Bel-Air, Bistro Garden , Ma Maison, Above Dublin (Los Angeles, CA); Performer on Princess Cruises; Sheraton Copenhagen (Denmark)
Black Beard's Castle (St. Thomas, Caribbean).
Richard has released four piano solo CDs to date: "The Glory of Love", "Strictly
Broadway", "Movie Magic", and "Contemporary Classics". He also accompanies Lori Moran on five of the eleven
tracks on her critically acclaimed CD, "On My Way To You", where his original composition, “The Stars Above
the Stars” is debuted.
Richard's teaching emphasizes the process of going beyond mechanical and technical correctness to create real
music in performance – bringing the fingers to “sing”. He specializes in pop, jazz, and show tunes, although
he also teaches classical music. He has a gift for teaching unique ways of expressing ones inner feeling, combined with scientific
piano techniques, and enjoys tailoring lessons to meet the individual needs of each student.
Read what students are saying about Richard Berman.
