Dr. Walter Rich holds an undergraduate degree in music education from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a master’s degree in music performance from Northwestern University, where he studied with Mr. Arnold Jacobs, legendary principal tuba player of the Chicago Symphony. He earned his PhD in curriculum and instruction at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Dr. Rich is currently conductor of the Edgewood College Concert Band. He is also the conductor of Oconomowoc American Legion Band and the Watertown Area Chamber Orchestra.

Dr. Rich began his public school teaching career in the Milwaukee Public Schools and taught in the Elmbrook school district. He has taught music education at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and worked with student teachers at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. He served as an adjunct faculty member at Indiana State University teaching studio tuba and performing with the faculty brass quintet.  He was previously assistant professor of music at Lakeland College and conductor of the Sheboygan Area Youth Symphony.

Dr. Rich has been principal tuba in the Sheboygan Symphony Orchestra, the Champaign-Urbana Symphony, and the Racine Symphony Orchestra. He has conducted a number of clinics with area bands and honors groups and has been an adjudicator for solo and ensemble festivals sponsored by the Wisconsin School Music Association.