Ralph Fisher Email & Phone Number

Originally Philadelphia Now Greater Boston Area (Quincy)

As classical musician I come from a varied background; As an organist I've been a church musician, taught, and concertised. In addition to church music, I have over 25 years in the music industry from retailing to publishing, composing and writing about music. Musical studies began at 13 when I discovered the majesty of the organ through the recordings of Virgil Fox. After my initial studies with Warren Clarke and Frederick E. Starke (a pupil of Isidor Philipp and Beardsley Vandewater), I earned a Bachelor of Music Education degree at Westminster Choir College I continued organ study with Eugene Roan and George Markey. Studied voice with Herbert Pate and Howard Shaw and choral conducting with Robert Simpson, Warren Martin and Robert Carwithen. Studied composition with Malcolm Williamson, Master of the Queen’s Musicke (1975-2003) CBE. Did further study in orchestral conducting at The College of New Jersey in Trenton. I have worked in various aspects of the music industry, including music retailing (including owning a sheet music store), writing music criticism, and blogging mostly on musical subjects. I have had Music Director posts in a number of churches as well as several years as a substitute organist and continue to compose.

Greater Philadelphia Area

Sales Associate, Men's Clothing (commissioned) Assist men in their selection of tailored clothing (suits, sports jackets, shirts, ties, etc.). Showed customers how to optimise their wardrobe and how to enhance their look as a professional. Followed up on their purchases to ensure customer satisfaction and to keep them informed of new and interesting items.Maximised merchandising possibilities; putting together ensembles and alternative match-ups then displaying them in eye-catching areas and ways, attracting product interest and generating sales. Commended by Store Manager and visiting VP for initiative and creativity.

Philadelphia, Pa

Organist and accompanist for church services, responsible for maintaining organ and pianos. Was also scripture reader.

6000 Wayne Ave., Philadelphia, Pa

Organised and maintained all records and files, answered the phone, checked all messages, acted as liaison for the Rector with various parties, prepared facilities for all meetings and church services, ordered office supplies, printed and distributed all reports, bulletins for all services and church activities, was available for any last minute changes in the Rector's or Church's plans and helped in general problem solving, oversaw and coordinated with maintenance staff on upkeep of property. In short, oversaw all day-to-day operations of the church.Responsible for all church financials including, but not limited to: all banking and reconciliation of all account balances, all accounts payables and receivables, payroll, preparing and updating all financial reports -- weekly, monthly or as needed.Selected and performed all music (hymns and service music) for all services as well as special occasions (weddings, funerals, etc.) on the organ or piano, contracted extra musicians for festive occasions, scheduled special musical events, scheduled and coordinated with organ and piano tuners on maintenance of instruments.

Philadelphia, Pa

Music Retailer of sheet music, scores, etc. Buyer, importer of musical scores, books, and accessories. Hired and supervised all personnel; maintained all banking financials, inventory control.