ABOUT
Richard Frank has spent over 25 years in the entertainment
industry as a professional musician and business development
executive. He has performed with esteemed ensembles including
the Harry James Orchestra and the American Youth Symphony,
produced a PBS documentary, composed and recorded two
original albums, and held senior marketing roles with major
Hollywood creative studios.
Richard Frank holds a Master’s degree in Applied Musicology from
Utrecht University in the Netherlands, an M.A. in Educational
Technology from California State University, Northridge (CSUN),
and a B.M. in Jazz Studies from the University of Southern
California (USC).
His most ambitious work to date is in music education outreach through Unison-Based Content (UBC), an inclusive approach where everyone in a secondary jazzy ensemble (jazz band) plays the melody, in unison, and is supported by a rhythm section. UBC reimagines jazz education by blending global grooves, diverse jazz genres, and flexible content with modern educational discoveries. Richard’s method draws on his deep musical talent, industry insight, and instructional design expertise to create a fun, student-centered model that accelerates creative skill-building and cross-curricular learning at the secondary level.
OVERTURE
Based in Salt Lake City, Richard Frank brings over 25 years of diverse
experience across creative business, education, and entertainment. His career in
Los Angeles has spanned roles as an educational and instructional designer,
multi-media producer, professional musician, creative director, and a successful
Hollywood business development and marketing executive.
KEY ACCOMPLISHMENTS & CONTRIBUTIONS
- M.A. in Applied Musicology - Utrecht University, Utrecht Netherlands (UU-2023)
- M.A. in Educational Technology - California State University Northridge (CSUN-2019)
- B.M. in Music Performance - University of Southern California (USC-1986)
- A.A.S. in Music Performance - Onondaga Community College (OCC-1982)
- Created PlayTheGroove.com to bring Current Global Grooves and Jazz Genres to Tertiary and Secondary Education.
- Staged managed numerous jazz performers and produced countless small and large group performances with a solid foundation of groove, folk, rock, jazz, and global music.
- Invited to a two-month educational residency in Finland at the Sibelius Academy.
- Toured and performed extensively, and co-wrote, produced, and recorded two CDs.
- Produced and Executive-produced the PBS documentary entitled Maestro Mehli Mehta and the American Youth Symphony.
- Interfaced with every major television and film company in the United States as a Hollywood business development specialist.
KEY WEBSITES & SOURCES
- UU M.A. 2023 Thesis: "The Funnel of Knowledge: The Challenges and Opportunities of Implementing Culturally Diverse Music in Music Education." Access: Academia (profile), Researchgate (profile), or email me a request for the PDF.
- Collaboration with Scott Edgar, author of Music Education and Social Emotional Learning, invited to join a Music for All YouTube video podcast series on SEL. See the full video, Or start with this short.
- Present Tense Smooth Talkin' album (producer, co-wrote, music director)
- Present Tense Night Shadows album (producer, co-wrote, music director)
- Richard J. Frank - CSUN feature article
- CSUN M.A. 2019 Thesis: "Alternative Approaches to Secondary Music Education Emphasizing 21st Century Learning Competencies with Current Jazz and World Music." Academia (profile), Researchgate (profile), or email me a request for the PDF.
- Teamed up with Dr. Lisa Hassler to produce the podcast, “Jazzing Up Your Music Program: Reignite Teen Engagement With Unison-Based Content.” Check out the YouTube Short and full-length version.
- PlayTheGroove.com - current jazz and world music introductory site. Licensed Songs and Content.
Richard also enjoys ice hockey (not that good!), nature walks, gardening and landscaping, cooking, stone
sidewalks and patios, baking bread, model making, and outdoor activities.