Rick performs regularly with several well known Jazz artists both locally and across the state.He is also the author of "Jazz Drumming; Time and Improvisation", a drum set method book which was very favorably reviewed in Modern Drummer Magazine. Rick has many years of practical experience as a performing artist and guest soloist, clinician and adjudicator, guest conductor and commissioned composer, and as an educator. He is Percussion Specialist for the Utica City School District, and has also taught at Binghamton University and Hamilton College.

Rick has played with jazz greats such as Gary Burton, Marian McPartland, Marvin Stamm, Nick Brignola, Carmen Caramanica, Dr. Mike Woods, Urbie Green, Joe Farrell, "Slam" Stewart, Harry "Sweets" Edison, Clark Terry, and Joe Williams.