Contact Information
Biography
Ron Bickel has performed with many notable jazz musicians including Larry Coryell, Chet Baker, Jimmy Ponder, Mel Torme, Don Aliquo, Joe Negri, Roger Humphries, Al Dowe, and Etta Cox. Other artists Ron has performed with include such diverse artists as Mel Torme, Rodney Dangerfield, Michel LeGrande, Gladys Knight and the Pips, Liberace, The Skyliners (featured on their hit record, "Since I Fell For You"), Billy Eckstine, the Glenn Miller Orchestra (Ray McKinley), Little Anthony and the Imperials, Mickey Rooney, the Jimmy Dorsey Band, the Flamingos, the Modernairs, and Bobby Vinton.
Ron has performed at Heinz Hall, Syria Mosque, Carnegie Music Hall, Stanley Theater, Benedum Center, and Soldiers and Sailors Hall in Pittsburgh, as well as on the radio, television, and in movies (most recently seen in "Cemetery Club" with Ellen Burstin and Danny Aiello). He has also performed with his own group in concert at the Nemacolin Jazz Festival, Three Rivers Arts Festival, Shadyside Arts Festival, Penn State University, University of Pittsburgh, and in prominent night clubs.
In addition to his work as a performer, Ron is the author of two books. The Complete Jazz Pianist is an instructional manual which teaches the techniques necessary to be a complete jazz pianist (chord voicings, approaches to improvising in various harmonic situations, etc.). Developing Relative Pitch provides a clear direction in order to develop the hearing skills necessary to use the ear effectively and efficiently. Both of these books are in use at Duquesne and throughout the world.
Ron is also a composer and arranger, has been the director of a church choir, and was elected to 10 terms as an Executive Board Member of the Pittsburgh Musicians' Union (Local 60-471) (1972-1992).
Education
M.M., Duquesne University
B.S., Duquesne University