testimonials

Ricardo’s teaching style strikes the perfect balance of helping his students learn technical precision, providing appropriate musical theory and historical context, and making music fun. While some music teachers will focus solely on technique and learning the “classics,” Ricardo will weave in music that you want to learn, allowing for more organic growth and sustainable musical progression. His incredible depth of knowledge allows him to teach a variety of musical styles including classical, pop, ragtime, and many more! Through my time as a student with Ricardo, I have become more disciplined and gained a greater appreciation for music and the effort it takes to create. Most importantly, Ricardo teaches you how to learn on your own and how to creatively and methodologically dissect problems. This skill has helped me far beyond my musical studies.

—Matthew Shintaku

I would not be the musician I am today without Ricardo. I say “musician” instead of “pianist” because what Ricardo taught me extends far beyond the keys. I began studying with him at the age of 5 and I’m currently a junior in college. I love composing music because he encouraged me to. I improvise confidently because he taught me to be fearless. The music theory he taught me has helped my dancing and singing immensely, and my choreography always revolves around the intricacies of the music that it’s set to. My mom told me that when she learned to play piano, she hated that she never had a choice in the music she played. Ricardo and I always picked my pieces together, finding the perfect balance between my skill level and my interest. I am lucky to have had Ricardo as my teacher, and I’m grateful to still have him as my friend.

—Lauren Wilmore

The day we met Ricardo changed the path of my children’s lives. He was my son and daughter’s piano teacher for 10 years (until he moved to Oklahoma). Ricardo taught piano technique, music theory, improvisation, and music composition – and he made all of it fun! My oldest is on the Autism spectrum and was already picking out songs on the piano at 5 years old. Ricardo had an amazing bond with him and knew how to connect with him so that he looked forward to piano lessons with enthusiasm. He is a college student today and is still composing music! My college age daughter still sings, plays piano and composes music. These are the gifts that last a life time.

—Leilani Jones Wilmore (Tony Award Winning Performing Artist)

In the fifteen years I’ve known Ricardo, he has instilled in me an appreciation for music, critical thinking, and curiosity. More importantly, he’s been a mentor and a good friend, supporting and inspiring me in my professional and personal endeavors long after our piano lessons began.

Ricardo would never only prescribe exercises to teach me a new piece, but he would work with me until I understood their value. Questioning frameworks (or asking “Why”) now informs my design and filmmaking strategy, empowers me keep an open mind while pursuing new projects, and helps me discern connections between different fields and perspectives.

—Matt Rossi