"Try not to become a man of success, but rather try to become a man of value."
About.
Rico A. Huff is a thirty-five-year-old pianist, vocalist, composer, owner and founder of Rare Keys Production & Music School. Rico is currently serving as the pianist for Abundant Life Chapel, Largo, MD. Rico served as a worship leader, music director, and pianist at The Bridge UMC, Washington, DC. Rico is currently the Assistant Music Director at Hope Christan Church in Beltsville, MD.
Rico holds both an Undergraduate Degree in Jazz Studies from the University of the District of Columbia (2013) and a Master of Music from the University of Maryland – College Park in piano performance (2015). He has completed Jazz Studies, as well as Classical piano and voice, to become a well-rounded artist. Rico desires to maintain the authentic essence and pure sounds of many music styles, including jazz, gospel, classical, and others. Rico completed a Master’s Certificate in Arranging and Orchestration from Berklee Online (2019)
Rico’s enthusiasm for music quickened at an early age. He began playing the drums at the age of seven. At the age of twelve, Rico heard the quality and sound of the piano and fell in love. That same year he asked for a keyboard for Christmas and spent many hours in his room teaching himself to play. Soon after, Rico began to recognize melodies, chords, and scales. Upon entering middle school, Rico began to thrive as he started formal piano and vocal training. Rico has been playing piano for over 20 years.
At the age of sixteen Rico began receiving piano lessons from Anthony Walker, one of the most sought-after pianists in the D.C. metropolitan area. While in high school, Rico sang in the gospel choir under the direction of 2010 Stellar Award Nominee, Phillip Carter. Upon graduation from Parkdale High School in Riverdale, MD he enrolled at the University of the District of Columbia. During that time, Rico played for the Jazz big band, small Jazz ensemble, performed classical music and played for The Voices gospel choir, where he met his wife, Adrienne. While at the University of Maryland, Rico composed numerous compositions and arrangements for small ensemble, big band, and his Master's recital.
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Rico provides private piano lessons for students at all levels, beginner, through advanced. He has held numerous engagements at UDC, UMD, local churches, and other venues. Presently, Rico is focused on mastering a variety of musical styles to continue excelling in his field, while teaching, performing, and composing in the DC metropolitan area.