Raymond Parker

Raymond Parker began his music career as a novice pianist and vocalist.  In the eighth grade Raymond joined The Cleveland School of the Arts Orchestra as an inexperienced violist.  Raymond continued piano instruction with Director Hicks and vocal instruction with Reggie Bowens from the Tri-C Vocal Performing Arts for a short time before focusing solely on the viola.  Raymond’s love grew as a violist under the direction of Dianna Richardson while receiving private viola instruction from Jason and Jordan, students at The Cleveland Institute of Music and Elisha Nelson, violist with The Cleveland Orchestra.  In high school Raymond participated in the Cleveland School of the Arts Orchestra, Emmy nominated All-City Orchestra, The Orchestra Program, The Baldwin Wallace Conservatory Youth Orchestra, Contemporary Youth Orchestra and the Cleveland School of the Arts all-male string quartet at The Music Settlement under the guidance of The Cavani String Quartet. Raymond states that he is thankful for receiving a scholarship to continue his music studies.  He has been accepted to Ohio University where he will study both Music Performance and Music Production.