Richard McKinney
Born in Granite City, Illinois Rich was influenced by gospel church music. Church music proved to be ever present throughout his life. He sang duets with his sister for church services and other events. He played and they both sang. Rich aimed his entire life at music, always with the purpose of making people happy. He is aware that he was given a gift, and feels that must be repaid.
After high school Rich attended Simpson College. He was drafted just as he was hoping to complete his undergraduate degree. He served in the U.S. Army for two years. He returned from Vietnam with two bronze stars, one for valor and one for service. He returned to Simpson to complete his degree and then taught in Iowa public school for about 15 years.
He did his graduate work and Northeast Missouri State University, (now Truman State). After earning his degree he joined the faculty for two years. From there he spent 17 years in Hawaii, teaching college classes for several community colleges. He was also Director of Music First United Methodist Church of Honolulu for a decade. He served as music critic for the Honolulu Star-Bulletin for six seasons of symphony and opera.
He returned to Kirksville in 2003. He became the director of Kirksville Community Chorus from 2004 -2014. He has been writing cello/piano arrangements to play with cellist Elaine Boda. Projects too great in number to list have also been a part of Rich’s life. He is currently retired and enjoys life as usual.
Composer, Arranger, Pianist, Teacher
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Rich the Composer/Arranger
Rich writes lots and lots of vocal music. He writes for solo voices, some beautiful songs like: “Take Me to a Cloud”, “I’m Here”, and “I’m So Full of Love”. He has written entire cantatas and full choral pieces and had several of them published over the years.
Rich has written many creative and wonderful arrangements of popular tunes, folk songs, sea chanties, etc. His arrangements are colorful and fun.
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Rich the Pianist
Several years ago, Rich suffered the loss of his vocal cords. Until then he had been a beautiful singer with a tender and bright tone. After the tragic loss of his vocal cords, Rich, who had always played the piano, made his piano into his new voice. Of course, all his musical compositions and arrangements are also part of his unique and wonderful voice. Now you can hear him play almost anything on his YouTube channel.
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Rich the Teacher
As a teacher, Rich cares deeply about every student and works diligently together with his students to make steady progress. Susan Mohini Kane is one of his choral students from when he was choral conducting at the high school level. As a choral conductor, Rich has reached literally thousands of students in his high school, community, church, and professional ensembles.
