Richard Brown, a founding faculty member of Rice University’s Shepherd School of Music who established its percussion studio and taught for more than four decades, died March 14 at his home in Houston. He was 76. Brown was professor emeritus of percussion and a towering presence in the worlds of classical music, music education and live entertainment.
“Richard was not only a remarkable performer and educator, he was one of the original architects of the Shepherd School’s culture,” Shepherd School Dean Matthew Loden said. “His leadership, warmth and fierce dedication to his students helped shape the identity of our school and established a legacy that will live on through every musician he taught.”
Brown first joined the Shepherd School in 1975 for a four-year stay as assistant professor of percussion. He returned as an artist teacher in July 1984, reclaiming his assistant professor title the next year. Brown was promoted to associate professor in 1989 and became a full professor in 2000. He held that title until his retirement in 2018, building the program from the ground up and mentoring generations of percussionists who have gone on to successful careers across the globe.
“I am deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Richard Brown, a fixture in the Houston music community,” said Matthew Strauss, associate professor of percussion. “As my predecessor at the Shepherd School of Music, he helped shape the careers of decades of percussionists throughout his tenure. Everybody knew and loved Richard Brown. I will never forget his generosity, kindness and his hilarious sense of humor.”
Strauss added that he was honored to be Brown’s close friend and colleague at both Rice and the Grand Teton Music Festival.
“Richard Brown was a mensch,” said former student Andy Einhorn ’04, now a leading Broadway music director. “He was one of the rare gems of this industry and of this world. Not only did he passionately love music, but he loved his students and his desire to help was always foremost. I am indebted to Richard for helping launch many of my professional endeavors and will always be thinking of him when I’m in the mountains of Wyoming or performing in any Broadway theater. I will always miss hearing his voice and his infectious spirit.”
A native of Philadelphia, Brown began performing professionally at 18 with the Chamber Symphony of Philadelphia and the Philadelphia Lyric Opera. After serving with the United States Army Band in Washington, D.C., he moved to Houston in the 1970s to play with the Houston Symphony. He held that post for eight years before relocating to New York City to pursue freelance work on Broadway, in recording studios and with ensembles including the Metropolitan Opera and the New York Philharmonic. During that time, he also toured extensively with Ann-Margret, performing with her for 15 years.
Brown returned to Houston to join the Shepherd School faculty and soon became principal percussionist of the Houston Grand Opera Orchestra, a position he held for decades. He also served as principal percussionist and artistic adviser of the Grand Teton Music Festival Orchestra in Jackson Hole, Wyoming.
Remembered by colleagues as a magnetic figure with equal parts grit and generosity, Brown’s students saw in him both a teacher and a lifelong advocate.
“Richard had a rare gift for bringing people together through music whether in the concert hall, the classroom or the ballroom,” Loden said. “He elevated everything he touched, and he did it with heart, humor and an unwavering love of the craft.”
Brown is survived by his wife Susan, his son David and a far-reaching network of friends, students and musical collaborators.
