Private Instruction
Alec Rich is a member of the tuba faculty and has also been the Evanston East receptionist. He earned a bachelor of music degree from Oberlin Conservatory and a master of music degree from Northwestern University. He won first place in the Rafael Mendez Brass Institute Excerpt Competition and performed on a Mahler Symphony No. 1 recording by the National Arts Centre Orchestra and Oberlin’s Concertos Album. He is acting principal tuba for the Wisconsin Philharmonic and has performed as a guest musician with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, National Arts Centre Orchestra, Northwest Indiana Symphony, and the Civic Orchestra of Chicago. In addition to the Music Institute, he teaches tuba at LOGOS School of Music.
Master of Music in Tuba Performance, Northwestern University
Bachelor of Music in Tuba Performance, Oberlin Conservatory
Additional studies/awards
Rafael Mendez Brass Institute Excerpt Competition – 1st place
Recordings
Mahler Symphony No. 1, National Arts Centre Orchestra
Oberlin Concertos Album, Oberlin Contemporary Music Ensemble
Teaching philosophy
Speaking generally, I try to teach in a way that allows for the process of playing the tuba to be as natural as possible. Learning a brass instrument can feel very strange to somebody who has never done it before, but through lots of demonstration and working to build good habits early on, a student can become a natural in no time. Additionally, I am an advocate for learning and performing new music. As musicians I believe it is our responsibility to continue to help create and usher in a new generation of music.
Wisconsin Philharmonic, acting principal tuba
LOGOS School of Music, tuba teacher
Detroit Symphony Orchestra, National Arts Centre Orchestra, Northwest Indiana Symphony, Civic Orchestra of Chicago; guest musician
Hobbies/interests outside of music:
Outside of music, I enjoy visiting my family in Connecticut or my fiancé's family in Ohio. I love to smoke meat and make a nice meal for my friends, I am a big fan of the Toronto Maple Leafs, and I like to play video games with my two brothers.
What you love about playing your instrument:
I love playing the tuba because of the independent nature of the instrument. There is only one tuba in an orchestra, meaning I am responsible for playing my part all by myself. We rarely get a solo or an exposed moment, but when we do, everybody loves it!
What you love about Chicago:
I love living in Chicago for lots of reasons! There is so much arts and culture to explore, from the Chicago Symphony Orchestra to one of the many world-class museums in town. Additionally, the city has countless incredible restaurants, sports venues, and parks to visit.