TESTIMONIALS

  • Rich created the score for one of our documentary films, "All the Possibilities…," and it was a wonderful experience working with him in every way. His musical compositions were innovative and exciting—we literally edited to their pacing and rhythms. We know that the power of the film was greatly amplified by both his composition and expert playing. Rich is talented and easy to work with, convivial and creative. We just hope we can work with him again on a future project!

    Marsha Gordon and Louis Cherry, filmmakers/creatives All the Possibilities

  • Simply put, Rich Holly is a magnificent musician. Not only does he have amazing and comprehensive skills as a drum set player and total percussionist, he also has stellar ears, an intelligent and knowledgeable awareness of musical styles, and is a keen and intuitive teacher. I have always been proud to make music with him, he is a musician’s musician.

    Stephen Squires, Professor of Conducting, Chicago College of Performing Arts Music Director, Fox Valley Orchestra

  • Rich is an exceptional mentor and consultant. His breadth of knowledge was greatly appreciated to a first-time chair at the University of North Alabama. Rich’s assessment of our music unit was concise, detailed, and non-judgmental. I would highly recommend using him to consult in individual leadership and unit building. Rich is a wealth of knowledge.

    Terrance Brown, Dean, Potter College of Arts and Letters, Western Kentucky University

  • Rich Holly practices what he preaches. As a career coach, Rich helped me through a large transition from academia into the nonprofit world. In Rich, you will find a true collaborator who will walk by your side and expertly guide you as you realize your aspirations.

    Dr. Julie Hill, Co-President & CEO, Global Citizen Adventure Corps

  • Rich Holly has been a consistent mentor for me since the beginning of my teaching career in 2012. Working with him has had a profound impact on my professional development, especially given his deep knowledge of arts administration, his passion for education, and the joy he brings to music making. Whether it has been through thoughtful conversations or receiving critical feedback on job application materials, the time I’ve spent with Rich has been rewarding to say the very least. I cannot recommend his services enough.

    Michael Mixtacki, musician and university educator

  • Rich Holly is a joy to work with. I have had the great fortune of working with him in an academic setting, where I was his direct report, and in unrelated artistic endeavors. In all these, Rich demonstrated integrity, honesty, passion, intelligence, talent, generosity, and—in no small measure—a formidable sense of humor. Frequently, when I am weighing the possibility of entering a new project, I wonder how I could pull Rich in. I often assess the quality of a collaborator as to how much like Rich they are likely to be. I hope for many opportunities to work with him again. Rich is great!

    Alexander Gelman, Director of plays, opera, and film, Distinguished Engagement Professor of Theatre, Northern Illinois University

  • The unusual breadth of Rich Holly’s skills and vision are nothing short of​ astounding. A brilliant musician, drummer and percussionist in the school of​ Billy Cobham, Hal Blaine, Ringo Starr, and Steve Gadd, he ​brings a​ signature musicality rarely found in even the best drummers. Classically​ trained, and always in the service of the song, he will elevate the mundane to​ something special. As a producer and educator, he brings an unusual​ empathy to his work, and to those artists and students lucky enough to work​ with him be it in music, film, or on the stage. Rich sees the whole picture​ - the definition of a great producer. There is no project I wouldn’t work with​ Rich on. Sir George Martin, with whom I collaborated for more than 15​ years, would have jumped at the chance to work with Rich. He’s just that​ exceptional. He makes the difficult easy and does so with unusual humility.​ With Rich you are in good hands. Any artist with a dream needs a Rich​ Holly in their camp.

    Maxim Langstaff​, Grammy and Emmy nominated TV, film, radio, and music p​roducer

  • Rich Holly provided incredible career advice and mentorship when I transitioned into an academic administration position. I have him to thank for helping me organize my application materials, which resulted in my winning a national search. Rich Holly is a seasoned arts administrator and a leader in our industry.

    Dr. Christopher Hanning, Dean, Wells School of Music at West Chester University of Pennsylvania

  • Rich Holly is an incredible individual with a passion toward excellence in education. Through consulting and coaching with him, I was able to create an even more polished package and be more prepared as I moved into my present administrative role. He is thorough, yet concise, thoughtful, and all-encompassing when he assesses where you are in the moment and where you have the potential to go. I highly recommend utilizing the wealth of experience and knowledge Rich has to offer. It will only enhance your path!

    Dr. Jillian Baxter, Chair, Department of Arts and Humanities, Albany State University