Randall Ruback Musician, Educator, Composer, Writer
Reviews of Randall Ruback's Teaching
Here are what music educators and students have said about Randall Ruback:
“At UW-Parkside, in just two years, Randy revitalized our brass department, making his influence felt in every ensemble at school. Randy can take anyone, hobbyist to serious, and turn them into a high caliber player.”
Tim Bell, Director of Jazz Studies Department of Music, UW-Parkside
“Randy has an excitement about teaching, about communicating ideas about music and sound and emotion, and I am not surprised that his students have done well in their auditions for prestigious university music programs.”
Ted Taylor, Professor, Department of Opera, Mannes College of Music
“Randy is an outstanding performer with a rare capability to show the expressive and cantabile aspects of his instrument. Equally important, he has the innate ability to impart this aspect to his pupils, through his careful, creative, and concerned teaching.”
Leo Edwards, Professor of Composition, Mannes College of Music
“Randy is a master teacher of brass instruments in my book, having provided my UWM Youth Jazz Ensembles I & II, year after year, with the finest brass players, and consistently, all of my principal/lead players. This also includes many high school graduates who continue on into my UWM jazz program, where they likewise fill the lead chairs. In Milwaukee, he is known as the teacher of brass instruments. Frankly, if not for his coaching ability and always being there to help out, my jazz ensembles would be something far less than they are today. Down to the youngest player, these kids, some of them only sixth-graders, come to me with fantastic sounds, reading skills, great attitudes, the desire to participate, and the willingness to give it their all. His kids can really play! I’ve got two students of Randy’s now in my top band, both of whom play at the professional level, and are destined for stellar musical careers. But this is no exception when it comes to Randy’s teaching studio. At competitions both in and out of state, his students repeatedly win the top playing awards - and this is consistent from year to year. He’s the best brass teacher around.”
Curt Hanrahan, Director of Jazz Studies, Department of Music, UW-Milwaukee
"Randy is without question, one of the finest musicians/teachers I have had the pleasure of working with during my 35-year teaching career. Four of his students have been concerto winners in the Youth Wind Ensemble Program, a marvelous accomplishment considering these concertos are judged by a panel of Milwaukee Symphony Artists and competing against an environment of highly skilled high school musicians. Many of his students have enjoyed careers in music and so many of them have gone on to study music in some of the country's finest universities and colleges. I speak for others when I say that Randy Ruback is one of our most cherished musical possessions in our community."
Tom Dvorak, Professor of University Bands, UW-Milwaukee
“My study with Mr. Ruback has been invaluable in shaping my musical career and philosophy, with his truly unique approach to music-making. While the fundamentals of playing are important to him, his desire for exceptional musical expression and meaning set him apart. This extends far beyond simple phrasing and emoting, challenging all students to find their particular voice. Mr. Ruback tailors every lesson to the strengths of the individual player, and explores every method of creating an artist. Mr. Ruback’s approach remains unique. By delving into the building blocks of musical meaning, and directly applying it to performance, he will have your low brass players rivaling top violinists in subtlety of nuance and purpose of expression. Mr. Ruback’s considerable pedagogical skills are rivaled only by his professionalism. He is warm and cordial, and lessons have a supportive atmosphere. His chief desire is for his pupils to grow and succeed in music, and his hard work and determination transfers directly to students. Mr. Ruback has my highest recommendation. Your music program will benefit greatly.”
Glen Dimick, Associate Instructor of Tuba, Indiana University Jacobs School of Music and former student
Here are what music educators and students have said about Randall Ruback:
“At UW-Parkside, in just two years, Randy revitalized our brass department, making his influence felt in every ensemble at school. Randy can take anyone, hobbyist to serious, and turn them into a high caliber player.”
Tim Bell, Director of Jazz Studies Department of Music, UW-Parkside
“Randy has an excitement about teaching, about communicating ideas about music and sound and emotion, and I am not surprised that his students have done well in their auditions for prestigious university music programs.”
Ted Taylor, Professor, Department of Opera, Mannes College of Music
“Randy is an outstanding performer with a rare capability to show the expressive and cantabile aspects of his instrument. Equally important, he has the innate ability to impart this aspect to his pupils, through his careful, creative, and concerned teaching.”
Leo Edwards, Professor of Composition, Mannes College of Music
“Randy is a master teacher of brass instruments in my book, having provided my UWM Youth Jazz Ensembles I & II, year after year, with the finest brass players, and consistently, all of my principal/lead players. This also includes many high school graduates who continue on into my UWM jazz program, where they likewise fill the lead chairs. In Milwaukee, he is known as the teacher of brass instruments. Frankly, if not for his coaching ability and always being there to help out, my jazz ensembles would be something far less than they are today. Down to the youngest player, these kids, some of them only sixth-graders, come to me with fantastic sounds, reading skills, great attitudes, the desire to participate, and the willingness to give it their all. His kids can really play! I’ve got two students of Randy’s now in my top band, both of whom play at the professional level, and are destined for stellar musical careers. But this is no exception when it comes to Randy’s teaching studio. At competitions both in and out of state, his students repeatedly win the top playing awards - and this is consistent from year to year. He’s the best brass teacher around.”
Curt Hanrahan, Director of Jazz Studies, Department of Music, UW-Milwaukee
"Randy is without question, one of the finest musicians/teachers I have had the pleasure of working with during my 35-year teaching career. Four of his students have been concerto winners in the Youth Wind Ensemble Program, a marvelous accomplishment considering these concertos are judged by a panel of Milwaukee Symphony Artists and competing against an environment of highly skilled high school musicians. Many of his students have enjoyed careers in music and so many of them have gone on to study music in some of the country's finest universities and colleges. I speak for others when I say that Randy Ruback is one of our most cherished musical possessions in our community."
Tom Dvorak, Professor of University Bands, UW-Milwaukee
“My study with Mr. Ruback has been invaluable in shaping my musical career and philosophy, with his truly unique approach to music-making. While the fundamentals of playing are important to him, his desire for exceptional musical expression and meaning set him apart. This extends far beyond simple phrasing and emoting, challenging all students to find their particular voice. Mr. Ruback tailors every lesson to the strengths of the individual player, and explores every method of creating an artist. Mr. Ruback’s approach remains unique. By delving into the building blocks of musical meaning, and directly applying it to performance, he will have your low brass players rivaling top violinists in subtlety of nuance and purpose of expression. Mr. Ruback’s considerable pedagogical skills are rivaled only by his professionalism. He is warm and cordial, and lessons have a supportive atmosphere. His chief desire is for his pupils to grow and succeed in music, and his hard work and determination transfers directly to students. Mr. Ruback has my highest recommendation. Your music program will benefit greatly.”
Glen Dimick, Associate Instructor of Tuba, Indiana University Jacobs School of Music and former student