Barry Rifkin's Biography

Pianos have been a central part of Barry Rifkin's life for as long as he can remember.

Barry's mother was a talented pianist in Chicago where Barry grew up. Having shown an interest in music at a very early age, he began taking music lessons when he was just four years old. Soon after, he began performing for family and friends and by age ten was performing professionally.

He studied Music and Liberal Arts at New York University before continuing concentrated studies in Piano and Composition at the world famous American Conservatory in Chicago.

Barry considers himself quite fortunate to have studied under several of Chicago's most noted music instructors at the time. These included Herman Spier for theory, renown composer and choir director William Ferris for composition, and the Master Pianist and Accompanist William Browning for piano.

A composer and performer himself, Barry's list of professional engagements include Chicago, New York and Boston, in Ohio and in Montreal, Quebec. Additionally, many of his compositions have been performed throughout the greater Chicago area.

It was at the American Conservatory where Barry developed an interest in piano tuning and technician work, responding to the general deterioration of the pianos at the school. Soon after he was in demand as the Musicians' Technician.

Studies with technicians like Ken Sweet and close contact with the Steinway Piano factory, along with work for long established piano dealers like Field's Piano in Chicago and Conn Music Centers in Highland Park, led Barry into the art of rebuilding and full piano restoration.

At the same time, Barry began sharing his talents and unique insights teaching piano to students of all ages. Known for his warmth and enthusiasm as a teacher, Barry has inspired his students over the years and is proud that many have continued their involvement in music and piano throughout their lives.

Recognizing a need for a kind of quality recording that was quickly becoming a rarity - and with encouragement from his former professor William Browning (who frequently recorded at the WGN studios for the radio show "Auditions of The Air") - Barry began developing a music recording style with techniques he offers to his clients to this day.

Barry Rifkin Studio is located in Highland Park where Barry enjoys teaching his students on side-by-side grand pianos which he personally rebuilt.