About
Bio for composer, saxophonist, jazz educator Rick Hirsch. From Newark, DE. Graduated from UMass-Amherst (University of Massachusetts) and Northern Illinois University. Lived in Madison, WI. Living in State College, PA since 1999.
MEET Rick Hirsch
Rick Hirsch (b.1970) is an award-winning composer, arranger, and saxophonist who began his career as a personal music copyist for Bob Mintzer and Toshiko Akiyoshi. He has written music for jazz icons Yusef Lateef, Tito Puente, Eddie Henderson, and the Yellowjackets; the Capitol Quartet; and school ensembles nationwide.
Hirsch’s music has been performed by the US Navy Commodores, the Birdland Big Band, the Sydney Jazz Orchestra and countless others around the world. Over one hundred of his works are published by Alfred Music, HirschMusic, FJH and others.
Hirsch is also known for his inspiring and easy-going teaching style. He has conducted All-State Jazz Bands in New York, Maryland, Iowa, Kentucky and Delaware; and countless PMEA District Jazz Bands.
He has been in residence at the University of Kentucky, Penn State, Ithaca College, the University of Maryland, Bucknell University, Kutztown University, Mansfield University, Millersville University, the Marin School of the Arts, and dozens of other schools. And he maintains an active local teaching studio.
Hirsch is a graduate of UMass-Amherst (B.A. summa cum laude) and Northern Illinois University (M.M). His most influential teachers were Yusef Lateef, Lynn Klock, Jeff Holmes, Ron Modell, Boysie Lowery and Bill Byerly.
Hirsch lives in State College, PA with his wife (science writer Rebecca Hirsch) and their daughters.
Hirsch’s 2017 album Pocono Git-Down (Rick Hirsch’s Big Ol’ Band) is on all major streaming and download platforms. And he has been a devoted Finale user since version 3.0, on a Mac SE with a 9” screen. Yeow!
www.RickHirschJazz.com