Rico Allen

Rico Allen is an Adjunct Lecturer in Saxophone at the University of Texas at Tyler and an Adjunct Instructor at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM), teaching Jazz Appreciation and Hip Hop History and Culture. He holds a Master of Music from CCM and is pursuing a Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) in Saxophone Performance with a Conducting specialization at the University of North Texas (UNT).

Education:

• Bachelor of Music Education, Tarleton State University
• Master of Music in Saxophone Performance, University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music
• Doctoral Candidate in Saxophone Performance (DMA), University of North Texas

Research interests include saxophone performance, music education advocacy, and promoting diversity in classical music through performances of underrepresented composers. He actively performs with ensembles like the North Texas Wind Symphony and co-founded the saxophone quartet Lotus, dedicated to commissioning new works and performing pieces by marginalized composers.

Awards and recognitions include the Center Stage Scholarship and multiple Concerto Competition wins. He maintains a private studio in Dallas-Fort Worth and serves as a jazz saxophone clinician at R.L. Paschal High School.

Rico’s career highlights include solo performances at Carnegie Hall, European tours, and collaborations with renowned artists/composers such as Jon Faddis and David Maslanka. He is affiliated with organizations like the North American Saxophone Alliance and Jazz Educators Network.