Rick Uren

Dr. Rick Uren has taught students at Marshall Music ranging in ages from 4 to 92 since 2002, specializing in piano, voice, music theory, composition, and trombone. Rick emphasizes making learning FUN for students of all ages, backgrounds, and levels of development through a cognitive approach to teaching, that is, through tailoring his approach to the differing learning styles of each student.

Dr. Uren’s 30+ years’ experience in piano instruction was developed through studies with pianists C. Curtis-Smith, Phyllis Rappeport, Cesar Vuksic, and Ivan Ianakov. Rick served as Principal Keyboardist with the Southwest Michigan and Battle Creek Symphonies, taught Class Piano at Kalamazoo Valley Community College, and has performed with and accompanied numerous soloists, choirs, ballet and modern dance troupes, operatic and music theater productions.

Uren’s background in vocal pedagogy includes study with Dr. David Little and Mel Ivey, as well as close collaborations with over twenty professional voice teachers. Uren was previously vocal instructor with the Battle Creek Community Music School, has worked with numerous choirs as conductor and vocal coach, and has sung professionally throughout the area since 1986.

Rick’s music theory experience includes teaching ear training classes at Western Michigan University, as well as being recruited as a teaching assistant in music theory at Michigan State University.

Dr. Uren has also written numerous arrangements and original compositions for piano, choir, solo voice, string quartet, brass ensembles, mixed chamber ensembles, handbells, etc., including a recent commission commemorating the Lansing Matinee Musicale Choral Ensemble’s 125th anniversary season.

Rick is currently Second Trombonist in the Kalamazoo Symphony. In addition to Rick’s trombone experience with the KSO, he has also performed in many other professional orchestras, jazz bands, brass ensembles, and music theatre productions. Rick has also taught trombone and other low brass instruments at Olivet College.

Uren earned his doctorate from MSU in 2004; he was recognized in Who's Who Among America's Teachers in 2002.