Dr Paul Rickard-Ford
After completing his BMus at the Melbourne Conservatorium, Paul Rickard-Ford was awarded the Clarke Scholarship to undertake postgraduate studies at the Royal College of Music, London where he gained the ARCM and the Dannreuther Prize for the most outstanding concerto performance.
He has won many major competitions and awards in Australia, including Commonwealth winner of the 1983 ABC’s Instrumental & Vocal Competition, and in 1984 was invited to perform before HRH the Duchess of Kent in a recital at the residence of the American Ambassador in London. He returned to Australia in 1985 to undertake performing engagements with the ABC and returned to the UK for further study in 1986 as the inaugural David Paul Landa Memorial Scholar. In 1988 he received an “Australia Achiever” award for his achievements in music and was presented with the award by the Prime Minister at a special reception in Sydney during the Bicentennial celebrations.
At the end of 1988 Paul returned to the UK where he gave recitals in London at St. James’s, Piccadilly, Leighton House and a series of recitals at Colnaghi Galleries as well as performing at various festivals throughout England. He remained in London until 1994 when he was appointed as a Lecturer in Piano at the Sydney Conservatorium. He is in demand as a recording artist, recitalist, examiner, adjudicator and master teacher throughout Australia. In 2000 he was invited to givemasterclasses at the Beijing Central Conservatory and the Shanghai Conservatory and gave recitals at the Australian Embassy in Beijing and the Shanghai Concert Hall.
In recent years he has been a frequent performer on ABC Classic FM and has recorded Liszt’s complete “Annees de Pelerinage”, 2 all Schumann recitals, an all Chopin recital and several “Sunday Live” programs, all of which were broadcast nationally. He was a featured performer in the popular “Keyboard Preludes” program on Classic FM in 2007 where he performed and discussed Preludes by Scriabin and Rachmaninoff. Together with his piano duo partner, Natalia Sheludiakova, he has given Australian and World premieres, most notably Carl Vine’s Piano Sonata for Piano Four Hands, a special commission for the SCM’s 101 Compositions project.
In 2008 he was appointed as a Federal Examiner for the AMEB. He tours Asia annually and regularly visits Malaysia, Taiwan, Singapore, Guangzhou, Shanghai, Beijing, Seoul and Hong Kong giving masterclasses for the Sydney Conservatorium of Music. Paul Rickard-Ford presently serves as Senior Lecturer and Chair of the Piano Unit. He completed his PhD on the late piano works of Schumann in 2010 and was shortlisted by the University of Adelaide for the University Medal.
His students and former students have achieved outstanding success in local, national and international competitions and have been major prizewinners at important competitions in Australia, New Zealand, China, Hong Kong, Thailand, USA, France, Italy, Spain, Belgium, Germany, Croatia, Russia, Denmark and the UK. In both the 2012 and 2016 Sydney International Piano Competitions his students were awarded Best Australian Pianist. He is a pioneer in the field of professional development for piano teachers and is in demand as a guest lecturer at pedagogy conferences throughout Australia.
My teaching is focussed on my personally developed pedagogical principles of Freedom and Control.From a technical point of view I have found it essential for students to understand how to overcome difficulties and to establish clear ways of dealing with problems via solutions which will involve a deeper understanding of one’s own physicality and a clear perception of the technical and musical issues involved. In addition to this I believe it is vital that a teacher does not impose upon a student’s capacity to develop their own individual creativity and pianistic style. A close and open culture of freedom of expression is essential to a student’s sense of well-being and ambition.
Students in my studio will hopefully thrive in an environment which is both supportive and nurturing and designed to develop the individual to the highest standards possible.
Vice-Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in the category Outstanding Teaching, 2017.
Selected publications
(La Folia Music Publications, 2018)
Publications
Books
- Rickard-Ford, P. (2018). Dr Paul's Treasure Chest | Book 1. Sydney: La Folia Music Publications.
Book Chapters
- Rickard-Ford, P. (2010). Paul Rickard-Ford. In Martin Comte (Eds.), Australian Pianists: A Cross-section of Performers Offers Insights into Aspects of Pianism, (pp. 199-206). Melbourne: Australian Scholarly Publishing.
Music
- Rickard-Ford, P., Sorkin, E. (2017). 1. Sonata for Violin and Piano in G minor Bg5 "Devil's Trill" (Tartini) 2. Sonata for Violin and Piano No. 9 in A Major Op. 47 "Kreutzer" (Beethoven). Mighty Violin Sonatas. Recital Hall West, Sydney Conservatorium of Music, Sydney, Australia: Sydney Conservatorium of Music.
- Rickard-Ford, P., Rosar, I., Monorosi, K., Bohn, O., Chamber Orchestra, C. (2017). Concerto for Three Keyboards in C major BWV 1064. Chamber Works: Bach Triples. Verbrugghen Hall, SCM, Sydney, Australia: Sydney Conservatorium of Music.
- Rickard-Ford, P., Andreeva, N., Monorosi, K., Bohn, O., Chamber Orchestra, C. (2017). Concerto for Three Keyboards in D minor BWV 1063. Chamber Works: Bach Triples. Verbrugghen Hall, SCM, Sydney, Australia: Sydney Conservatorium of Music.
Recorded / Rendered Performance
- Rickard-Ford, P. (2013). Charles-Marie Widor Piano Works, CD, Yokohama, Japan: Riax.com.
- Rickard-Ford, P., The Australian Trio. (2008). 1. Le Cygne (The Swan) from Le carnaval des animaux (The Carnival of the Animals). On Saint-Saens: The complete piano trios, CD, Sydney, Australia: ABC Classics.
- Rickard-Ford, P. (2003). 1.Lieder eines fahrenden Gesellen (Songs of a Wayfarer) 2.1920 chamber version by ARNOLD SCHOENBERG (1874-1951) [16’20] 3.Track 5. I. Wenn mein Schatz Hochzeit macht 3’45 4.Track 6. II. Ging heut’ Morgen übers Feld 4’13 5.Track 7. III. Ich hab’ ein glühend Messer 3’22 6.Track 8. IV. Die zwei blauen Augen 5’00. On Mahler Symphony No 4 - Songs of a Wayfarer, CD, Sydney, Australia: ABC Classics.
2018
- Rickard-Ford, P. (2018). Dr Paul's Treasure Chest | Book 1. Sydney: La Folia Music Publications.
2017
- Rickard-Ford, P., Sorkin, E. (2017). 1. Sonata for Violin and Piano in G minor Bg5 "Devil's Trill" (Tartini) 2. Sonata for Violin and Piano No. 9 in A Major Op. 47 "Kreutzer" (Beethoven). Mighty Violin Sonatas. Recital Hall West, Sydney Conservatorium of Music, Sydney, Australia: Sydney Conservatorium of Music.
- Rickard-Ford, P., Rosar, I., Monorosi, K., Bohn, O., Chamber Orchestra, C. (2017). Concerto for Three Keyboards in C major BWV 1064. Chamber Works: Bach Triples. Verbrugghen Hall, SCM, Sydney, Australia: Sydney Conservatorium of Music.
- Rickard-Ford, P., Andreeva, N., Monorosi, K., Bohn, O., Chamber Orchestra, C. (2017). Concerto for Three Keyboards in D minor BWV 1063. Chamber Works: Bach Triples. Verbrugghen Hall, SCM, Sydney, Australia: Sydney Conservatorium of Music.
2016
- Rickard-Ford, P., Monorosi, K., Sydney Conservatorium String Orchestra. (2016). 1. Concerto No. 1 in C minor for Two Pianos and Orchestra, BWV 1060, 2. Concerto No. 2 in C major for Two Pianos and String Orchestra, BWV 1061, 3. Concerto No. 3 in C minor for Two Pianos and String Orchestra, BWV 1062. Chamber Works Concert Series - Bach Doubles. Verbrugghen Hall, Sydney Conservatorium of Music, Sydney, Australia: Sydney Conservatorium of Music.
- Rickard-Ford, P., Sorkin, E. (2016). 1. Sonata for Violin and Piano Op. 82 (Legar), 2. Sonata No. 1 for Violin and Piano Op. 21 (Goossens). Chamber Works Concert Series - British Violin Sonatas. Recital Hall West, Sydney Conservatorium of Music, Sydney, Australia: Sydney Conservatorium of Music.
- Boersma, K., Jenkin, P., Machamer, S., Newsome, S., Rickard-Ford, P., Robinson, M., Sorkin, E. (2016). The Crossing. The Crossing. Recital Hall West, Sydney Conservatorium of Music, Sydney, Australia: Sydney Conservatorium of Music.
2013
- Rickard-Ford, P. (2013). Charles-Marie Widor Piano Works, CD, Yokohama, Japan: Riax.com.
- Sheludiakova, N., Rickard-Ford, P. (2013). 1. Dance of the Adolescent 2. Four Movements for Two Pianos. Cocktail Hour, Dancing Pianos. Recital Hall West, Sydney Conservatorium of Music, Sydney, Australia: Sydney Conservatorium of Music.
- Sheludiakova, N., Rickard-Ford, P. (2013). Lost Eden. Cocktail Hour Concert. Recital Hall West, Sydney Conservatorium of Music, Sydney, Australia: Sydney Conservatorium of Music.
2012
- Sheludiakova, N., Rickard-Ford, P. (2012). 1. Romeo and Juliet Fantasy Overture 2. Noure et Anitra - Suite for 2 pianos. Cocktail Hour - Piano Duo. Recital Hall East Sydney Conservatorium of Music, Sydney, Australia: Sydney Conservatorium of Music.
2011
- Rickard-Ford, P., Sheludiakova, N. (2011). 1. Concertino in A Minor Op94 2. Fantasy in A minor Op posthumous 3. The Revisionist's Tale. Piano Duo Concert. Music Workshop, Sydney Conservatorium of Music, Sydney, NSW, Australia: SCM Cocktail Series | Te Koko New Zealand School of Music.
2010
- Rickard-Ford, P., Sheludiakova, N. (2010). 1. Overture to the Magic flute (8') 2. Concert for 4 Pianos and orchestra (12') 3. Canto Ostinato for four Pianos (15') 4.Concerto for 4 pianos, Strings in C Minor BWV 1060 (20') 5. Musiques d'Espagne (15'). Sensational Sundays. Verbrugghen Hall, Sydney, Australia: Sydney Conservatorium of Music.
- Rickard-Ford, P. (2010). 3.Visions from Light (8'). 88 Keys. Recital Hall East, Sydney Conservatorium of Music, Sydney, Australia: ISCM.
- Sheludiakova, N., Rickard-Ford, P. (2010). 7.Fuoco (3') 8. Sonata for Piano Four Hands (22'). 88 Keys. Recital Hall East, Sydney Conservatorium of Music, Sydney, Australia: ISCM.
2009
- Pallo, I., Duke, M., Bohn, O., Schmidt, R., Rickard-Ford, P., Sheludiakova, N. (2009). 1. Concerto for Saxophone and String Orchestra, Op. 14 3. Concerto for 2 Pianos and Orchestra, D minor. Conductors' Series - One Plus Two. Verbrugghen Hall, SCM, Sydney, Australia: Sydney Conservatorium of Music.
- Rickard-Ford, P., Still, A., McCorkill, C. (2009). 1. Dolly, Op. 56 2. Ma mere l'oye: 5 pieces enfantines. Cocktail Hour Recital Series - Toot Sweet. Recital Hall West, SCM, Sydney, Australia: Sydney Conservatorium of Music.
- Sheludiakova, N., Rickard-Ford, P. (2009). 1. The Nutcracker Suite 2. Fantasy on Porgy and Bess 3. Carmen Fantasy. Cocktail Hour Recital Series - Fantasy & Fairies!. Recital Hall West, SCM, Sydney, Australia: Sydney Conservatorium of Music.
2008
- Rickard-Ford, P., Sheludiakova, N. (2008). 1. Concerto Pathetique for two pianos; 2. Danses Andalouses for two pianos. Music Workshop, Sydney Conservatorium of Music, Sydney, Australia: Sydney Conservatorium of Music.
- Rickard-Ford, P., The Australian Trio. (2008). 1. Le Cygne (The Swan) from Le carnaval des animaux (The Carnival of the Animals). On Saint-Saens: The complete piano trios, CD, Sydney, Australia: ABC Classics.
- Sheludiakova, N., Rickard-Ford, P. (2008). Visions de l'Amen. Live Broadcast: Duo Piano Recital. Eugene Goossens Hall, Sydney, Australia: ABC Live Broadcast.
2007
- Barnes, A., McCorkill, C., Rickard-Ford, P. (2007). 1. Trio for Clarinet, Bassoon and Piano 2. Trio for Clarinet, Bassoon and Piano. Recital Hall West, Sydney Conservatorium of Music, Sydney, Australia: Sydney Conservatorium of Music.
- Leske, C., Rickard-Ford, P., Willems, G., Powell, E. (2007). 1. Variations on a theme by Paganini for 2 pianos 2. Display II Op.42 for 4 pianos 16 hands. Piano Doubles. Verbrugghen Hall, Sydney, Australia: SCM.
- Rickard-Ford, P. (2007). 1.24 Preludes, Op 11 2.Preludes: selection. Keyboard Preludes with Marian Arnold. Eugene Goossens Hall, Sydney, Australia: ABC Classic FM.
2006
- Rickard-Ford, P. (2006). 1.Waldscenen Op 82 2.Bunte Blatter Op. 99. Music Workshop, Sydney Conservatorium of Music, Sydney, Australia: Sydney Conservatorium of Musi.
- Clone-Still-SCM, C., Pratt, D., Duke, L., Evrov, N., Herscovitch, D., Leske, C., McCallum, S., Powell, E., Rickard-Ford, P., Sheludiakova, N., Shovk, P., Tsai, J., Willems, G., Zhukov, K. (2006). Bolero for 6 pianos and flute. Sensational Sunday Series. Verbrugghen Hall, Sydney, Australia: SCM.
- Sheludiakova, N., Rickard-Ford, P. (2006). Brahms: Sonata op.34, Weekes: Russian Rhapsody. Eugene Goossens Hall, ABC Ultimo Centre, Sydney, Australia: ABC Classic FM.
2005
- Rickard-Ford, P., Sheludiakova, N. (2005). 1. Symphonic Dances Op.45 2. Armenian Rhapsody 3. Poeme de L'Extase. Recital Hall West, Sydney Conservatorium of Music, Sydney, Australia: Sydney Conservatorium of Music, University of Sydney.
2003
- Rickard-Ford, P. (2003). 1.Lieder eines fahrenden Gesellen (Songs of a Wayfarer) 2.1920 chamber version by ARNOLD SCHOENBERG (1874-1951) [16’20] 3.Track 5. I. Wenn mein Schatz Hochzeit macht 3’45 4.Track 6. II. Ging heut’ Morgen übers Feld 4’13 5.Track 7. III. Ich hab’ ein glühend Messer 3’22 6.Track 8. IV. Die zwei blauen Augen 5’00. On Mahler Symphony No 4 - Songs of a Wayfarer, CD, Sydney, Australia: ABC Classics.