RICHARD SHULMAN

RICHARD SHULMAN is an accomplished keyboardist and composer, known for his music that inspires, heals, and uplifts. Over his career, he has released 28 solo albums and contributed to more than two dozen collaborative recordings as a composer, performer, and producer.

His work spans classical and jazz traditions, often focusing on meditation, healing, and inspiration. Born in Niagara Falls, NY, Shulman began playing piano at age seven and was involved in church music, summer camps, and local bands. During his teenage years, he joined a rock band with future jazz artists and Niagara Falls Music Hall of Famers, Thom Rotella and Bobby Previte, forming early connections that would shape his musical path.

He later earned a Bachelor’s degree in music and psychology from the University of Rochester, where he studied jazz improvisation at the Eastman School of Music with mentors like Chuck Mangione and Marian McPartland. Continuing his education at SUNY Buffalo, he completed a Master’s degree in composition and performed alongside jazz legends such as Thad Jones, Freddie Hubbard, and Eddie Gomez. Shulman’s career has taken him to prestigious venues including Carnegie Hall, the United Nations, and major festivals like the Kool Jazz Festival.

He performs across a range of styles, from jazz concerts with The Richard Shulman Group and Trio, to solo piano sessions focused on meditative and spiritual themes. His work with ensembles like “Theatre of the Heart” and projects such as Camelot Reawakened demonstrate his commitment to using music as a tool for community, spiritual connection, and peace.

An innovator in the realm of healing music, Shulman developed “Musical Soul Portraits,” personalized compositions aimed at spiritual alignment and healing. Albums such as “Bliss of Being” and “11:11 Piano Meditations” reflect this focus, combining serene melodies with subtle improvisation to offer a sense of calm and balance.

Currently based in Asheville, NC, Shulman remains active in the local music scene. He performs regularly, teaches jazz piano at UNC-Asheville, and serves as music director at Unity of the Blue Ridge. His recent projects showcase his continued evolution as a composer who bridges the worlds of jazz and spiritual music.

Through his extensive body of work, Richard Shulman has touched audiences worldwide, using the universal language of music to inspire peace, joy, and healing. We are thrilled to welcome Richard Shulman into the Niagara Falls Music Hall of Fame.