Richard Glaser Pianist, composer, bandleader Birth date: January 27, 1974

Musical training/education:
Richard began studying the piano seriously at the age of fourteen, taking private lessons and playing in school ensembles and extracurricular jazz combos. In 1990 he went to the Colburn School of Performing Arts, where he studied until 1996, gaining much knowledge and experience through classes, performances and regular lectures/workshops given by visiting jazz greats. Also in 1990, he began going regularly to the World Stage, the renowned community jazz workshop and performance venue founded and directed by the late, great jazz drummer Billy Higgins. Richard attended the Hamilton High School Music Academy and played in its Jazz Band under the direction of Sid Lasaine. From 1992 through 1995 Richard was a student at the University of California, Irvine, taking courses in music theory, history and performance, and playing in university jazz ensembles. In 1999, he spent two quarters in the Jazz Studies program at the University of California, Los Angeles, continuing his studies of music and participation in university jazz ensembles.

Teachers:
Richard has studied with a host of great musicians, including pianists Eric Reed and Billy Childs, trumpeter Wynton Marsalis, flutist James Newton, guitarist Kenny Burrell, drummer Billy Higgins, bassist Roberto Miguel Miranda, and composer/arranger/bandleader Gerald Wilson.

Professional experience:
At the age of sixteen, Richard formed the first jazz combo to play under his leadership. Since then he has been regularly performing as a profession, most often as the leader of his own ensemble. In 1996, he put together the Goliard Trio, a cutting-edge jazz ensemble that worked steadily, performing a solid repertoire of standards and originals primarily in venues in Pasadena and Los Angeles. The band recorded its first self-titled CD in 1999. In 2001, the Goliard Trio became the Richard Glaser Trio, maintaining its probing improvisational direction and focusing more on Richard’s original compositions. Within a year, the Richard Glaser Trio recorded its self-titled debut CD. From among countless performances, highlights include engagements at the Best of LA Festival, 2003 and at the Santa Monica Playhouse.

Composition:
Although Richard wrote his first compostition at the age of fourteen, he did not begin composing seriously until he was twenty. Since then, he has written over 150 compositions. A number of these have been recorded and enjoyed regular radio broadcast, as well as frequent public performance.

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