Born and raised in NYC, Ric began playing music at age 13 and later graduated from C.U.N.Y. with degrees in music. In 1990 Ric moved to Tampa Bay where he continued to teach while doing instrument repair for, what was then, Thoroughbred Music. His abilities as teacher, performer, writer, arranger, and musical director, have enabled him to work with acts both local and international. Over the years some of his affiliations of have included, David Sanborn, Ben E. King Jr., Regina Belle, Eric Darius, Dayve Stewart, Fausto Rey, Jose Alberto, in styles ranging from funk, soul, and r&b, to latin, jazz and pop. In addition to ongoing endeavours, he is also resident wind consultant and technician for Sam Ash Music in Tampa, FL.