Rick Keller
Adjunct Faculty, Music Technology, Division of Jazz and Commercial Music
Biography
Rick Keller is an acclaimed saxophonist, composer, producer, and educator whose musical career spans multiple decades and continents. Based in Las Vegas, Keller is a versatile and sought-after instrumentalist, best known for his expertise on woodwinds, his deep understanding of jazz, and his cinematic approach to composition. A master of the saxophone, flute, clarinet, and other woodwinds, Keller has contributed to countless studio recordings, performances, and tours with a diverse array of artists, while also carving out a distinct voice as a solo composer and bandleader. In 2016, Keller relocated to Las Vegas, where he continues to perform, record, and teach. In addition to his active performance career, Keller began teaching at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas in 2019, where he serves as an adjunct professor in jazz composition, jazz saxophone, improvisation, and music technology. Keller is deeply committed to passing on his wealth of knowledge to the next generation of musicians, while continuing to nurture his own artistic growth.
Keller's role at UNLV also reflects his ongoing commitment to music education, as he has developed a comprehensive curriculum that combines his experience as a performer with his extensive knowledge of music technology and production. His students benefit from his real-world expertise, gained from performing with major artists, recording in top studios, and contributing to world-class musical productions.
Keller became an integral part of the Los Angeles music scene, performing and recording with renowned artists such as Christopher Cross, Bill Holman, Johnny Mandel, and Vinnie Colaiuta. His musical versatility also led him to become a sought-after horn arranger and live performer with the likes of Danny Seraphine's CTA, Groove Junkies, and the Frankie Valli tours.
Keller’s work as a sideman during this period and in the present included performances at major venues such as Capitol Studios, Radio City Music Hall, and the Royal Albert Hall, with artists including Barry Manilow, Natalie Cole, Jon Secada, The Temptations and the Four Tops and the London Symphony Orchestra. He also contributed to Grammy Awards broadcasts and Latin Grammy performances, showcasing his diverse range as a live performer and session musician.