Richard began his musical career playing the brass at the age of 9 and started as a professional church organist 7 years later. He started with the Casio Keyboard in Tauranga New Zealand and took 3 lessons with renowned UK organist Chris Powell at Baycourt Theatre, where he learned skills as an organist. He also played the piano to self taught skills, during this time and then moved home to England and started Church organ and playing for weddings on his return to the home county of Yorkshire and held post of Church Organist at Clifton Parish Church in York , where he held the post of organist for 6 years.
As a pianist, organist and keyboard player, Richard is now a leading wedding and Event musician performing all over the North East and West of England, and including extensive travel to Leicester, Manchester and Beverley to name but a few, playing in churches and civic venues for Wedding Ceremonies. He plays for all types of events, Drinks Receptions, Summer and Christmas Balls, Birthday and Anniversary parties etc. All styles of music are covered, from classical to jazz, pop and rock. Regular wedding venues include, St Pauls Evenwood, St Mary's Cockfield and St Johns in Lynesack and have also done prestigious events at Hillbark hotel and the Thistle hotel both in Liverpool where Richard has also been involved in piano work for weddings and events.
Richard can also teach children and adults alike in Keyboard, Organ, Piano and Brass
He is also working closely with Revival in Bridlington https://www.lastminutemusicians.com/members/ryanandsandrarevival.html
He also performs regularly in care homes. restaurants and hotels, including Kingswood Manor in Liverpool,
As well as being a traditional wedding organist, Richard offers the option of taking his digital keyboards into church to enhance the pipe organ. This option is often used in small village churches where the organ is too small to play the requested music, or no organ is present. The Korg keyboard are programmed to tastefully reproduce cathedral organ, piano and orchestral sounds - to be used side by side with the main organ. This means that any requested music, in any style, using any instruments, can be performed in any church or civic venue - in grand style.
Brides have recently walked down the aisle to 'Arrival of the Queen of Sheba' (Organ) 'Bridal Chorus' from Lohengrin (Organ) 'Canon in D' (Organ and Strings) Lloyd Webbers Love changes Everything and Greatest day (Take That)
Exit music includes - 'Wedding March' (Organ) 'Hornpipe' from Handel's Water Music (Organ) 'All You Need is Love' (Organ) One Moment in time' (Organ) J S Bach's 'Jesu joy of Man's desiring' (Organ)
So if you require traditional wedding music, or something more modern - or even a combination of both, Richard is the perfect choice to play for your wedding. Working closely with you, giving lots of help and advice if required, he will guarantee that the music is perfectly tailored for your special day.
Richard is fully covered by Public liability Insurance and is a member of Musician's Union and can provide his own superb Korg PA50SD keyboard for no extra cost, but if you prefer, he is happy to play a piano or organ at the venue.
His friendly style, enthusiasm and flexibility, and outstanding musicianship has earned him much respect from friends and customers everywhere.
Richard looks forward to hearing from you, and playing for you soon!
Please refer to the price guide before making an enquiry. Discounts are available for multiple bookings. For example, Ceremony + Drinks Reception or Drinks Reception + Wedding Breakfast. Please ask when making an enquiry!
Modest travel costs will be added over distances of 50 miles from County Durham, there will also be a deposit required and a cancellation fee