Gian-Franco Ricci
Resume
Gian-Franco has enjoyed a distinguished piano teaching career over many years in tertiary institutions in Australia and abroad in the USA, New Zealand and Spain. He held a permanent position as Lecturer in Piano at the University of Newcastle from 1996 to 2016 and was Senior Lecturer in Piano at the University of Auckland in 2009. His extensive teaching experience also includes designing and delivering courses in Functional Piano Techniques and Piano Pedagogy here and in Europe.
Born in South America to a musical family, Gian-Franco studied in the United States with many renowned pianists including Bela Siki, Theodore Lettvin, Abbey Simon and Leon Fleisher. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Piano Performance from the University of Michigan, a Masters degree in Piano Performance from the University of Massachusetts and a PhD from the University of Newcastle (Australia).
Dr. Ricci has appeared as recitalist and in ensemble in the United States, Europe and Australia. He has broadcast live for PBS public radio in the United States as well as the ABC in Australia. His recordings include the world premiere of Yusef Lateef’s Piano Sonata on Atlantic Records, and the complete Schubert Sonatinas with Ruggiero Ricci (Violin) on the Ricci Collection label.
Currently Dr. Ricci teaches in the Rising Stars Program at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music and runs a busy home studio in North Sydney. He has examined for the AMEB for over 20 years and is regularly called upon to adjudicate in the Sydney, Ryde and St George Eisteddfods and in other regional competitions.