Richard Cruz

VIOLIN

Richard Cruz is the Orchestra Director at Middlesex Middle School in Darien, Connecticut. A native of Norwalk, Connecticut, he began his musical journey as a member of the Norwalk Youth Symphony and the Chamber Music Institute for Young Musicians. He studied privately at the Talent Education Suzuki School in Norwalk and later with violinist Asya Meshberg in Darien.

Richard earned his Bachelor’s degree in Viola Performance from Ithaca College, where he divided his studies between violin and viola performance. He went on to receive his Master’s in Music Education from the University of Bridgeport in 2021. After working with Norwalk Public Schools, he joined the Darien Public Schools in 2022, serving as the orchestra director at both Middlesex Middle School and Ox Ridge Elementary School.

In addition to his work as an educator, Richard performs regularly with the Norwalk Gamer Symphony Orchestra and in a local string quartet with fellow professional musicians. He is also active as an electric violinist, performing at local venues. Dedicated to continual growth as both a performer and educator, Richard remains passionate about sharing the joy of music through teaching, collaboration, and performance.