Richard Weinhold

Cocktail pianist Richard Weinhold works his charm most nights at a cozy Italian restaurant in Bedford. Diners relish his comfort music. It's "just a garnish," he says. But after 50 years of playing, he's finding new flavors of expression -- as a TCC jazz student. 

Classically trained at West Chester University in West Chester, Pa., Weinhold has a repertoire ranging from Bach to "the great American songbook," he said. At parties and restaurants around Tarrant County, "I try to reflect the tastes of my guests." It's passionate work. "Sometimes I get totally lost in the music -- the sounds and colors and emotions and feeling all combine. That's when I play my best." 

Weinhold decided four years ago that his technique needed depth of personality found in jazz, which had recently caught his interest. After much reflection, he enrolled last fall in Northeast Campus' Jazz Improv I class and the Jazz Lab Band. He continued in the spring semester with Jazz Improv II and the Lab Band. And he found that new style he sought. 

"One thing is Jazz Improv Instructor Philippe Baugh's simple standard of playing scales in various modes in every key every day. That alone makes a huge difference in my playing." 

Weinhold applauds TCC jazz studies as world-class and "a little-known secret." He throws a spotlight on the program whenever possible. "I'm impressed with the program," he said, "and regularly recommend TCC to both aspiring young musicians and the mature musicians who want to expand their studies or refresh their skills."