Graduate Commencement at Symphony Center

Richard Young

2016 Honorary Doctorate Recipient

Rick Young is Senior Vice President at Yamaha Corporation of America.  Mr. Young oversees the company’s Piano, Band & Orchestral, and Pro Audio and Combo divisions, as well as  the Music Education Dept. In addition, he is president of Yamaha Artist Services, Inc. in New York City and is responsible for Yamaha Corporate Artist Affairs, Inc. in Nashville and Yamaha Artist Services in Hollywood.

Mr. Young helped institute the company’s Customer Sales and Marketing Group, an initiative designed to seamlessly align Yamaha Corporation of America with the needs of a broad base of select dealers, top artists, and world-class performance venues, as well as leading academic and institutional facilities.

His 30 years of experience in all aspects of the music products industry include his tenure as Corporate Vice President/General Manager of the company’s Pro Audio & Combo Division as well as senior leadership positions within the company’s Band & Orchestral Division and the Sales Department of the Pro Audio & Combo Division. He is currently the chairman of the Music Achievement Council, will be beginning a three year appointment to the NAMM board of directors and has served on a number of music related boards, including the National Association of Band Instrument Manufacturers.