Hirsch, Rick
As a composer and arranger Rick Hirsch has established himself nationally and internationally with his inventive, evocative works for jazz and saxophone ensembles. He began as an apprentice for master jazz composers Toshiko Akiyoshi and Bob Mintzer, serving each as personal music copyist. Rick has been awarded multiple fellowships and grants for jazz composition from the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts. He has been commissioned to write music for many top musicians and ensembles, including Eddie Henderson, Yusef Lateef, Chris Vadala, Jackie Allen, and the Capitol Quartet.
Hirsch's music is published by Alfred Music, UNC Jazz Press, BRS Music, and his own HirschMusic Publications.
As a saxophonist, Hirsch has performed with dozens of legendary jazz musicians, including Max Roach, Clark Terry, Tito Puente, Louie Bellson, and Phil Woods. He has also backed up the Four Tops and the Temptations, and has performed on NPR's Whaddya Know. He continues to perform regularly with several local and regional bands and musicians.
Hirsch is a sought-after jazz educator, known for his inspiring, creative, and easy-going teaching style with aspiring musicians. He has taught music at Penn State University, Northern Illinois University, Madison West HS and State College Area HS, and has appeared as a guest artist/clinician at schools, universities, and festivals around the country. He is a contributing author to Musicianship: Composing in Band and Orchestra (GIA 2013).
Rick attended the University of Massachusetts, studying saxophone and graduating summa cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa with a Bachelors of Arts in 1992. At UMass Hirsch's principal teachers were Lynn Klock, Yusef Lateef, and Jeff Holmes. He earned a Masters of Music in jazz composition and arranging in 1995 from Northern Illinois University. At NIU he studied with Ron Modell, Ron Carter, Glenn Kostur, and Steve Duke. He has also studied improvisation with the late Boysie Lowery, David Liebman, and Bill Byerly, the teacher who started him on this journey at age 14 or so.
Rick lives with his wife (children's science writer Rebecca Hirsch) and their daughters in State College, Pennsylvania. He enjoys following the Pittsburgh Pirates, reading, attempting to complete the daily crossword (in pencil), and getting as much fresh air as possible.
First Year Charts For Jazz Ensemble
Jazz Big Band Arrangement
Alfred Publishing
AL-47028
$44.00
Our Price: $41.80
CATCH ME IF YOU CAN [DOWNLOAD]
Jazz Big Band Arrangement
Hirsch Music Publications
RH-BB4003DL
$57.00
Variations on Ma'oz Tzur (Rock of Ages)
Jazz Big Band Arrangement
Hirsch Music Publications
RH-BB4026
$57.00
Our Price: $54.15
Variations on Ma'oz Tzur (Rock of Ages)
Jazz Big Band Arrangement
Hirsch Music Publications
RH-BB4026DL
$57.00
Jazz Combo Arrangement [3 Horns with Rhythm Section]
Hirsch Music Publications
RH-JC3020DL
$24.00
Our Price: $22.80
Young Jazz Ensemble
Jazz Big Band Arrangement
Alfred Publishing
AL-46155
$48.00
Our Price: $45.60
Jazz Band Series
Jazz Big Band Arrangement
Alfred Publishing
AL-41128
$52.00
Our Price: $49.40
Young Jazz Ensemble
Jazz Big Band Arrangement
Alfred Publishing
AL-45069
$48.00
Our Price: $45.60
