Bio
Rev. Richard has served as musical director for some of the most dynamic and growing churches in the New Thought movement. His last position, in Sacramento, CA was with the Spiritual Life Center working with Revs. Michael and Faith Moran. At “SLC” Richard was a founding minister, the director of music and drama ministry and helped build that church to as many as 800 people on a Sunday. Under his direction the 100 voice SLC choir was voted the best church choir in Sacramento twice by Sacramento magazine. He has helped bring together, in community, an array of talented and dedicated musicians and singers that serve this dynamic congregation today. Through the efforts of the music team the Sacramento News and Review elected "SLC" the best place to hear church music.
Before founding SLC, Richard served as Music Director for the Living Enrichment Center in Wilsonville, Oregon where he worked closely with the powerful and inspirational minister, Rev. Mary Manin Morrissey. In his five years with “LEC” Richard also created a very large choir community and dynamic team of musicians/singers that ministered with spirit and passion to a congregation of over 1500 every week. There he taught music and drama in the on site school, co-wrote music for an original children's play, and was musician in residence for the Namsate retreat center at "LEC". He traveled with Rev. Morrisey as she traversed the West coast on her book and small group promotions. He was fortunate to offer music for such noted speakers as Dr. Jean Houston, Dr. Barbara Marx Hubbard, Father Leo Booth, Gary Zukav, John Bradshaw, John Gray, Robert Fulgham and Dr. Joan Boreysenko.
Richard has served several Religious Science churches as their music director including churches in San Jose and Santa Cruz, California. In both cases the churches thrived under his leadership and a strong sense of community was built. In addition to his musical duties, Richard also received extensive metaphysical training while in these churches. It was this training that led Richard to make the decision to apply to ministerial school. Through the New Seminary, a program sponsored by New York University Richard was ordained as an Interfaith minister in 2004. He continues his studies through the Unity School of Christianity and his own personal studies of Christianity, Buddhism and Earth based religions.
Richard has performed as an award winning professional actor and pianist in San Jose, Santa Cruz and San Francisco and has appeared in many church productions. Using his sense of humor, talent and passion for the absurd he is often cast as the outlandish sidekick, the quirky and bizarre comedic role or the off beat goofball. (A skill he puts into play in his work with children). He has developed several characters including "Sony Karma", "Luigi" and "Coco Chanel" to name a few. Currently, Richard is working on a brilliant new musical entitled “Michaelangelo”. In this piece by composer Dario Vanni he will put his comedic skills down and show his versatility in the vocally and dramatically challenging lead role of Michaelangelo. Stay tuned for when and where!
Richard has been commissioned as a composer to write personal pieces of music for unique and special occasions. Each time he has captured the emotion and the passion of the request and created a piece that moved people to tears and expressions of great joy. His sensitivity leads him to create lyrics and music that capture the essence of ones heart and translate those feelings into song.
Last, but not least, no bio of Richard Burdick would be complete without mentioning his beloved wife Suzie. In their partnership they have served as group home directors, foster parents and mentors for hundreds of children. Their shared passion working with children has been the cornerstone of their ministry together. Together they have helped kids learn that they have all the courage, strength and spirit they need inside of themselves to overcome anything in life and to become whatever their hearts can dream. For Richard and Suzie, this has been their most rewarding work. These sentiments are reflected in Richard’s song, “Listen to the Children”.