A 1994 graduate of Duquesne University (B.S. in Music Education), Rick spent 11 years in the Fredericksburg, Virginia area.  During that time, he taught middle school orchestra, band, chorus, and high school orchestra.  While in Virginia, Rick also established himself as a private teacher of string and electric bass, orchestral strings (violin, viola, and cello), and piano.  Additionally, Rick performed with the Old Fredericksburg Theater Company, and Fredericksburg Big Band as a bassist.  Currently, Rick is a freelance musician in the Pittsburgh area, and a stay-at-home father of three kids.  He performs regularly with the Butler Symphony and Pittsburgh Civic Orchestra.  He has also performed as a cellist with the Slippery Rock University Orchestra.