Draft:Richard A. Crosby- Pianist, Composer

“Behind the Neo-Classicist façade beats the heart of a closet Romantic.” -Dan Gawthrop, former critic for the Washington Post, discussing Crosby's Viola Sonata

Introduction - Dr. Richard A. Crosby is an American pianist, composer, and author. His professional career also encompasses the world of collegiate and fraternity leadership. - In 2014 he was honored with the selection to be an Eastern Kentucky University Foundation Professor, whose members are recognized for their contributions above the level necessary for full Professor in the areas of Teaching, Service, and Scholarship/ Creativity. He also served as Chair of the Foundation Professor Selection Committee for 6 years.

Early Life and Education - Richard A. Crosby was born in Ashland, Ohio,1957, and raised in Largo, Florida. - He holds the Bachelor of Music degree in Music Education (1979), the Master of Music degree in Piano and Wind Conducting (1981) and the Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Piano (1990) from the University of Cincinnati’s College-Conservatory of Music. His principal piano teachers at CCM were John Meretta and Richard Morris.

Career - Dr. Crosby began teaching at Eastern Kentucky University in 1986. Teaching duties at EKU have included private and group piano as well as Music History (1999-2019). He served 6 years on the board of the EKU Center for the Arts during its construction and through its first two seasons. Dr. Crosby also served as Director of the Stephen Collins Foster High School Piano Camp, held every summer at EKU, and is an active adjudicator. Crosby was also Chair of the Faculty Senate from 2021-2023. - Initiated in 1975 into the Eta-Omicron chapter of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, the fraternity for men in music, Dr. Crosby served from 1988-2019 as Governor of Province 25 and served as National President for three terms from 1994-97 and 2003- 2006, and 2006-2009. He has received the Orpheus Award, was made a Signature Sinfonian in 2015 and is one of only 3 living recipients of the Ossian E. Mills Award.

Notable Works - Beginning in his 40s Dr. Crosby ventured into the world of serious composition. He has received 4 commissions from the Kentucky Music Teachers Association to write his Sonata for Trombone and Piano in Bb Op. 1, his Sonata for Viola and Piano in C Op. 10, his Sonata for Cello and Piano in D Minor Op. 19 and his Sonata for Violin and Piano in D Minor Op. 27. - Other works include Appalachian Variations Op. 2 for symphonic band, commissioned by EKU in honor of its centennial observance, “A Walt Whitman Portrait Op. 8” for chorus and symphonic band, a Concerto for Trumpet and Orchestra, By The Waters of Memory Op. 9 and Variations Op. 13 for solo piano, Four Latin Dances Op.14 for Oboe and Piano, Remembrance Op. 16 for Marimba and Piano, Ricercare Op. 18 and Canzona Op. 20 for trombone ensemble, and his Piano Sonata Op. 21 in b minor, commissioned by SAI Fraternity and published by C.F. Peters (available through Alfred Music). - He composed the soundtrack for the documentary, “The Essential Eastern,” which describes the history of Eastern Kentucky University. It is available on KET. org. - He recently published Dances Op. 24 and Characteristic Pieces Op. 25, both of which are collections of pedagogical pieces, and the Lyric Duet for Two Trombones and Piano Op. 26 - He is the author of, “The All-In-One Laboratory Piano Course,” published by Kendall Hunt, and “Thoughts on Life and Leadership,” through KDP (Amazon).

- Dr. Crosby has two studio recordings; “An American Portrait,” released in 1994, features works by Charles Griffes, Amy Beach, William Grant Still, David Guion, Louis Moreau Gottschalk, Lee Hoiby and George Gershwin, and “By The Waters of Memory” released 2024, featuring the namesake, Piano Sonata in B-Flat Minor, Op. 21, Sonata for Viola and Piano, Op. 10, Variations for Piano, Op. 13, Sonata for Cello and Piano, Op. 19, and 4 Latin Dances for Oboe and Piano, Op. 14. “By the Waters of Memory” is Available through Navona Records, and on all streaming platforms.

Legacy - Dr. Crosby’s extensive 38 year tenure at Eastern Kentucky University has been an invaluable staple in the lives of all the taught and mentored countless musicians. Crosby's influence has inspired students to be professors, directors, composers and performers.