Rick McLaughlin

Rick McLaughlin is an Associate Professor of Harmony at Berklee College of Music, specializing in Music Theory, Harmony, and Ear Training. He holds B.M. and M.M. degrees from the New England Conservatory of Music, with Academic Honors and Distinction in Performance. His career spans over decades as a bassist, composer, and educator, collaborating globally with artists like Don Byron, Mulatu Astatke, and Roger Miller.

McLaughlin has performed worldwide, from Boston to Ethiopia, and his work appears on dozens of recordings, including his debut album Study of Light. He is a Grammy-nominated member of the jazz group Either/Orchestra and has taught at multiple institutions, emphasizing music theory and composition. His research interests include cross-cultural musical collaborations and pedagogical innovations in harmony education.

Notable achievements include authorship in music theory and his role as a clinician, alongside endorsements from AlterEGO instruments and Gallien-Krueger amplifiers. He maintains active roles in music education through Berklee's online courses, focusing on music theory and composition.