Ray Ricker

Ricker was professor of saxophone, director of the Institute for Music Leadership and senior associate dean for professional studies at the Eastman School of Music of the University of Rochester until his retirement in 2013. He is currently professor emeritus of saxophone at the school's Institute for Music Leadership. In addition to a career as a performing artist and studio teacher, he served as director of the Catherine Filene Shouse Arts Leadership Program, was editor-in-chief of Polyphonic.org, and affiliate faculty in jazz studies and contemporary media.

As a senior administrator at Eastman, Ricker helped found Eastman’s Institute for Music Leadership. Its arts leadership curriculum offers courses in entrepreneurship, careers, leadership, performance, contemporary orchestral issues and musician’s injury prevention and rehabilitation; and its Center for Music Innovation. In September 2013, the Eastman School of Music honored Ricker as the first faculty member to receive the Dean’s Medal in recognition of extraordinary leadership, dedication, service and philanthropy.

For eight summers (1993-2000) he was music adviser to the Schlossfestspiele in Heidelberg, Germany, where he directed the participation of the Eastman School Philharmonia in its five-week residency at the German music festival. His most recent book, Lessons From a Street-Wise Professor: What You Won’t Learn at Most Music Schools (Second Edition 2019, Soundown Music) was an award finalist in the Business: Entrepreneurship and Small Business category of USA Book News' Best Books 2011 Awards.

His association with the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra began as a clarinet soloist in 1972 and in 1973 he won a position in the RPO as a member of the clarinet section. He continues to play in the orchestra today. From 1996-2005 he has served on its board of directors.

He received a bachelor of music education degree in clarinet from the University of Denver (BME 1965), a master of music degree in woodwind performance from Michigan State University (MM 1967), and a doctor of musical arts degree in music education and clarinet from the Eastman School (DMA 1973). He began his tenure as a full-time Eastman faculty member in 1972 and later became the first titled saxophone professor at the school. For nine years he served as the chair of the Department of Winds, Brass and Percussion (1989-1998).

Ricker's doctor of musical arts (DMA) dissertation was "A Survey of Published Jazz-Oriented Clarinet Study Materials: 1920-1970". Among the jazz and popular music artists enlisting Ricker as a session and stage performer were Buddy Rich, Chuck Mangione, the Moody Blues, Warren Haynes, and the Jerry Garcia Symphonic Celebration.