Music has always been a part of Richard’s life, even from a young age, but it wasn’t until a life-changing experience in a Nicaraguan maximum security prison that his passion for the art was truly ignited and his musical journey began.

Following high school, Richard began exploring what a career in music would be like- a pursuit that led him through the doors of Southeastern University and to the voice studio of international performer and coloratura soprano Dr. Shudong Braamse. During the course of his studies, Rich began experimenting with songwriting. It was this emerging talent that propelled him towards the next step of his music journey; The Contemporary Music Center located just outside of Nashville, TN. At the Contemporary Music Center, Richard found a mentor in American singer/songwriter Rick Elias, of The Ragamuffin Band and That Thing You Do! notoriety.

Rich fell in love with music’s universal ability to stir and evoke emotion regardless of language or genre.

The call of home eventually led Richard to back to his roots in Long Island, NY where he set about beginning to establish himself as a prominent performer and writer for the New York music scene. It was here that a chance encounter with musical artist and producer Teddy Wender of 3-D and Jazzmatik brought Rich to the attention of ProTown Music LLC.

Working with Teddy, Rich has set about the task of recording and polishing his personal music catalog under the artist name of Casmass. As Casmass, Rich seeks to combine the heart and soul of his musical foundation with relevant emotional and spiritual observations. His goal is to create an edifying musical experience where all can feel welcome at the table, just as his surname represents.