Ramon Lee Ricker

About the Author

Ramon Lee Ricker is a distinguished musician, educator, and author whose career spans decades of innovation in jazz performance and music pedagogy. A graduate of the Eastman School of Music and a former professor there, Ricker has performed with legendary ensembles including the Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Orchestra and the Carnegie Hall Jazz Band, while also leading his own groups and contributing to seminal recordings. His writing draws from a wealth of real-world experience, offering practical wisdom to aspiring musicians that transcends traditional academic boundaries. In 'Lessons from a Street-Wise Professor: What You Won't Learn at Most Music Schools,' Ricker shares invaluable insights on navigating the music industry, honing craft, and building a sustainable career, blending humor, anecdotes, and hard-earned advice to empower the next generation of artists.