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.
