Richard Devens
Minute Waltz by Chopin
Satin Doll by Ellington/Strayhorn
Chopin Prelude in E Minor, Op. 28, No. 4
Hiring and Firing Practices
Inwood Speech
Greta Reviews "Rational Polemics" by Richard Todd Devens
Roz Reviews Rational Polemics by Richard Todd Devens
What's The Value of an Ant's Life?
Dialogues with the Wise Woman - Book Discussion
Author Richard Todd Devens Talks Philosophy, Psychology and Fighting Your Demons
Overview
I am a classically trained virtuoso pianist who has performed in the US, Canada, and in Europe. I have performed on the concert stage, but have also played the glorious standards in restaurants, lounges, hotels, and country clubs, as well as for weddings, parties, fundraisers, corporate events, and VIP black-tie affairs. I truly love what I do, and my goal is always the same: to make my clients and their guests remember the music long after the event is over.
I arrive early, impeccably dressed and groomed, and prepared to play any special selections you have requested.
Reviews
24 reviews
Elizabeth L.
June 9, 2024Exceptional entertainment
Richard was very professional in every aspect. Beautiful music and everyone loved the entertainment. Thank you Richard! Appreciate your service for such a special event.
Hired as: Pianist
Jason K.
December 20, 2023Elegant touch on our holiday party
Richard was a pleasure to work with and added a wonderful backdrop to our company holiday party.
I would use him again without hesitation.
Hired as: Pianist
Bevin P.
October 23, 2023Great addition to our event!
Richard arrived early to set up, get acclimated with the event space, and provided beautiful background music that added an extra elegant touch to a black-tie optional event. He was very professional and personable and I would happily recommend him.
Hired as: Classical Pianist, Jazz Pianist
Fr. T. G.
June 29, 2023Excellent
Richard was very good at communicating prior to the event; he arrived early to ensure he knew when music was to be played during the program; he played beautifully and there were many compliments from people who attended and heard him play.
Hired as: Pianist
Sarah D.
October 8, 2022Excellent Pianist!
I hired Richard to play my wedding ceremony and cocktail hour. Richard was accessible and very helpful in finalizing the songs my husband and I wanted for our ceremony. He took the time to learn then and even played samples over the phone and was open to any adjustments to the arrangements. Everyone loved the music and he added such a special touch to our ceremony. Additionally, Richard was timely, professional, and played beautifully. He even took the time to come to our rehearsal the day before to make sure the music was timed correctly for the ceremony, which was really going above and beyond! I definitely recommend hiring Richard for your event!!!
Hired as: Classical Pianist, Pianist
Booking information
Price range: Contact for rates
Languages: English
Gig length: 60 - 360 minutes
What to expect
A client can always expect me to be on time, impeccably groomed, dressed to his or her specifications, friendly, accommodating, and prepared with the proper music.
About
I am a classically trained virtuoso pianist with a master's degree in music performance. I have performed on the concert stage, both in the US and abroad, but have also performed in restaurants, lounges, hotels, and country clubs. In addition, I have played for countless weddings (for receptions as well as cocktail hours), parties, fundraisers, corporate events, and black-tie affairs.
I earn my living performing and teaching piano, and as an accompanist for dancers, singers, violinists, cellists, and flutists.
My repertoire ranges from classical to Gershwin, Cole Porter, Jerome Kern, Richard Rodgers, Irving Berlin, Harold Arlen, and many other composers.
I welcome special requests, and if I don't know a particular selection, I buy it and learn it. I will also play selections for you - either in person, or over the telephone - before the event takes place, to ensure are completely satisfied.
My goal is to always give 100% for each of my clients, to help make your event a memorable one, and for you and your guests to remember the music long after the event is over.
Additional booking notes
If a piano in good working order is not available, I can provide a Yamaha Portable Grand Piano.
Past booked events
April 2026
25
Saturday
Wedding Ceremony
12:30pm - 2:30pm
•
Delmar, NY
December 2024
21
Saturday
Christmas Party
7:00pm - 10:00pm
•
Morris, CT
13
Friday
Cocktail Party
6:30pm - 9:30pm
•
Albany, NY
07
Saturday
Christmas Party
5:30pm - 9:30pm
•
Warwick, NY
June 2024
08
Saturday
Birthday Party
5:00pm - 7:30pm
•
Cooperstown, NY
March 2024
16
Saturday
Birthday Party
5:00pm - 10:00pm
•
West Hartford, CT
February 2024
23
Friday
Nonprofit Event
1:30pm - 2:15pm
•
Albany, NY
December 2023
19
Tuesday
Cocktail Party
6:00pm - 7:30pm
•
Kingston, NY
November 2023
28
Tuesday
Funeral/Memorial Service
10:00am - 10:45am
•
Bridgeport, CT
October 2023
21
Saturday
Corporate Event
6:00pm - 8:30pm
•
Chicopee, MA
June 2023
28
Wednesday
Nonprofit Event
7:00pm - 8:30pm
•
Schenectady, NY
February 2023
14
Tuesday
Nonprofit Event
2:30pm - 3:30pm
•
West Haven, CT
January 2023
07
Saturday
Wedding Ceremony
4:30pm - 6:30pm
•
Hamden, CT
September 2022
17
Saturday
Wedding Ceremony
4:00pm - 6:00pm
•
Highland, NY
August 2022
14
Sunday
Worship Service
9:30am - 12:00pm
•
Stratford, CT
03
Wednesday
Corporate Event
11:00am - 1:00pm
•
Warwick, RI
July 2022
15
Friday
Birthday Party
7:00pm - 10:00pm
•
Poughkeepsie, NY
May 2022
10
Tuesday
Dinner Party
8:30pm - 11:30pm
•
Manchester, CT
April 2022
30
Saturday
Bridal Shower
12:00pm - 1:30pm
•
Westport, CT
07
Thursday
Corporate Event
6:30pm - 8:30pm
•
Edison, NJ
November 2021
26
Friday
Anniversary Party
11:00am - 1:30pm
•
Stamford, CT
25
Thursday
Dinner Party
4:30pm - 7:00pm
•
Middletown, NY
17
Wednesday
Retirement Community Event
5:00pm - 6:30pm
•
Poughkeepsie, NY
October 2021
29
Friday
Cocktail Party
12:30pm - 2:30pm
•
Danbury, CT
23
Saturday
Wedding Ceremony
2:30pm - 4:00pm
•
Vestal, NY
September 2021
05
Sunday
Wedding Reception
3:30pm - 4:30pm
•
Syracuse, NY
August 2021
21
Saturday
Wedding Ceremony
2:30pm - 3:15pm
•
Jermyn, PA
14
Saturday
Birthday Party
8:00pm - 9:00pm
•
Hagaman, NY
July 2021
30
Friday
House Party
12:00pm - 4:00pm
•
Lenox, MA
24
Saturday
Festival
6:30pm - 7:30pm
•
New Fairfield, CT
October 2020
25
Sunday
Wedding Ceremony
2:00pm - 3:00pm
•
Montgomery, NY
August 2020
29
Saturday
Birthday Party
5:30pm - 10:30pm
•
Stamford, CT
July 2020
25
Saturday
Birthday Party
6:00pm - 7:30pm
•
Fishkill, NY
January 2020
31
Friday
Birthday Party
7:00pm - 10:00pm
•
Bedford, NY
December 2019
31
Tuesday
Cocktail Party
7:30pm - 11:30pm
•
West Hartford, CT
28
Saturday
Wedding Ceremony
2:30pm - 4:00pm
•
Cold Spring, NY
21
Saturday
Funeral/Memorial Service
12:30pm - 2:30pm
•
Darien, CT
20
Friday
Cocktail Party
7:00pm - 9:00pm
•
Avon, CT
20
Friday
Christmas Party
12:30pm - 3:00pm
•
South Windsor, CT
October 2019
20
Sunday
Wedding Ceremony
11:00am - 12:00pm
•
Glens Falls, NY
September 2019
26
Thursday
Product Promotion
1:00pm - 5:00pm
•
Albany, NY
01
Sunday
Wedding Ceremony
3:30pm - 6:00pm
•
Germantown, NY
July 2019
27
Saturday
Wedding Ceremony
4:30pm - 5:30pm
•
Averill Park, NY
June 2019
12
Wednesday
House Concert
12:30pm - 1:30pm
•
Schenectady, NY
February 2019
26
Tuesday
Corporate Event
8:00pm - 9:30pm
•
Tully, NY
September 2018
22
Saturday
Wedding Ceremony
5:00pm - 7:00pm
•
West Hartford, CT
July 2018
27
Friday
Wedding Ceremony
4:30pm - 6:00pm
•
Saratoga Springs, NY
June 2018
25
Monday
Cocktail Party
6:00pm - 8:00pm
•
Cooperstown, NY
March 2018
22
Thursday
Fundraiser
5:30pm - 7:00pm
•
Amsterdam, NY
February 2018
03
Saturday
Birthday Party
6:30pm - 10:30pm
•
Red Hook, NY
Set list
Embraceable You, Someone To Watch Over Me, The Man I Love, As Time Goes By, My Funny Valentine, Misty, Smoke Gets In Your Eyes, Body and Soul, It's Alright With Me, Cry Me a River, At Last, Mame, It Had to be You, Nice Work if You Can Get It, Lush Life, I could Have Danced All Night, Ain't She Sweet, I'm in the Mood for Love, Let Me Call You Sweetheart, Summertime, I've Got a Crush on You, and many more.
Influences and inspiration
The great classical and jazz pianists of the past and present have been constant sources of inspiration: Rachmaninoff, Horowitz, Earl Wild, Art Tatum, Oscar Peterson.
Setup requirements
If I am bringing a keyboard, all I would need is a sturdy table to put it on, and an outlet.