Richard E. Howard has an interesting musical background. At the age of
six, due to the influence of his maternal grandfather, he developed a
love for the piano and Romantic and Impressionist music. His early
formal training in piano came from a young performing virtuoso with the
Amarillo Symphony Orchestra. Following his piano study, Mr. Howard
turned to composition. His first efforts were taken by a mentor to the
Director of the symphony orchestra at the time. To Howard's surprise, he
was declared to be a prodigy. While attending high school and the first
years of college, he furthered his piano studies with Dr. Robert
Hoffman, the principle pianist of the region, whose kindness and
encouragement kept the fires of music burning. Said Dr. Hoffman of
Howard's music: "He is an original much like Percy Grainger, with lyric
melody ideas and fiery technique. Always convincing, haunting,
impassioned, he weaves a spell at the keyboard." Mr. Howard's piano
performances and music have been well-received over the years in
recitals around the country.

Richard Howard was born in Amarillo, Texas on September 26, 1946, and
was educated at Amarillo College, West Texas State University, and the
University of Arkansas. He is a member of the biology teaching faculty
of Amarillo College, a position that he has held for the last 30 years.
In addition, he is the Director and Senior Curator of the Amarillo
College Natural History Museum and Head Fencing Coach for the Amarillo
College fencing program with numerous Junior Olympians to his credit.
This position and personal interests have led to numerous collecting
expeditions and tournament travels throughout Central and South America,
Southeast Asia, as well as more comfortable rambles throughout the
United States from coast to coast.