Born in the San Francisco Bay Area, Richard Carrick is a conductor, clinician, singer, and educator. He is currently pursuing a D.M.A. in Choral Conducting from the University of Washington where he studies with Dr. Geoffrey Boers and Dr. Giselle Wyers. At the University of Washington, Richard is the Co-Conductor of the University Singers. Additionally, Richard is the Choir Director at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church on Mercer Island, and sings with the the Seattle based professional chorus, Solaris Vocal Ensemble.
Richard completed his Bachelor of Arts degree in Music at California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo. While at Cal Poly, Richard studied conducting with Dr. Tom Davies and voice from Jackie Bauer Kreitzer. During his time in San Luis Obispo he worked with the Central Coast Children’s Choir as director of the Apprentice Choir and Assistant-Director of the Boy’s Chorus. Richard continued his education at the University of Oregon where he earned a M.M. in Choral Conducting under the direction of Dr. Sharon Paul, and continued his vocal training with Eric Mentzel. While in Eugene, Richard participated in the Oregon Bach Festival, both as a singer and student-conductor, where he worked with Helmuth Rilling, Jeffrey Kahane, and Matthew Halls. Following his time in Oregon, Richard returned to his home town and worked with the San Francisco Boys Chorus as the Apprentice Choir Director. While in San Francisco, Richard studied voice with Jim Toland.
From 2012 until 2018 Richard lived in the Twin Cities a served as the Artistic Director of the South Metro Chorale, Artistic Director of Calliope Women's Chorus. Additionally, Richard was the Assistant Conductor of the Oratorio Society of Minnesota. As a church musician, Richard was Music Director at Hamline Church in St. Paul and Glendale United Methodist Church. Richard taught music at Burroughs Community School in Minneapolis and operated a thriving private voice studio. Richard has sung professionally with the Minnesota Chorale, the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra Chorale, the Oregon Bach Festival, and professional chamber choirs including: Magpies and Ravens, and IMPLS.
“Richard has a keen ear for tonality, balance and pitch and uses these skills to produce music that’s both a pleasure to sing and a joy to hear.”
Achievements
While studying at Cal Poly State University, San Luis Obispo, Richard was the recipient of many scholarships and awards, including the Barbara M. Jones Music Scholarship, the Janet Lee Memorial Award, and the Harold P. and Rosalie Davidson Memorial Music Scholarship..
While studying at the University of Oregon, Richard served as a Graduate Teaching Fellow for Music Education Professor Frank Diaz.
Richard has had the honor of working with some of the world's most respected conductors, including Helmuth Rilling, Matthew Halls, Jeffrey Kahane.
While attending the University of Oregon, he competed in and received top honors at the International Choir Festival in Tallinn, Estonia.
Recipient of the 2018 F. Melius Christiansen Graduate Study Scholarship