William J. Beal Outstanding Faculty Award winners are honored for a comprehensive and sustained record of scholarly excellence in research and/or creative activities, instruction and outreach. The William J. Beal Outstanding Faculty Awards are supported by the Office of University Development. Richard Sherman is professor of flute in the Michigan State University College of Music.

A world-class musician and teacher, flutist Richard Sherman presents a brilliant, charismatic and commanding musical voice that has influenced audiences, colleagues, and students throughout a long and highly successful career. He has masterfully balanced his busy and diverse performance schedule, including a multitude of annual solo, chamber and orchestral appearances, with a commitment to teaching and mentoring a skilled studio of flutists at the graduate and undergraduate levels.

Sherman has recorded a remarkable collection of solo flute music. His six solo recordings demonstrate his passionate commitment to musical excellence and highlight his fluid technique, fabulous tone quality and spirited leadership. These recordings serve as an influential and lasting professional statement, recognized internationally, and position Sherman as a leading figure in the flute world.

Through the excellence of his studio, Sherman has influenced a generation of flute performers and instructors, with graduates holding positions at the University of South Carolina, Missouri State University, the University of Southern Mississippi and Wright State University, among other places. He is renowned for his ability to mold young flutists into outstanding performers, capable of winning orchestral positions throughout the country; excellent teachers with solid faculty positions; and excellent soloists, capable of winning international competitions. He is also able to recruit excellent performers and refine them into concertmasters. In 2013, he was honored with the Withrow Excellence in Teaching Award from the MSU College of Music.

Sherman has appeared as a guest orchestral flutist with the Chicago, Detroit and Toronto Symphonies as well as on an extended engagement as principal flute of the Rochester Philharmonic. For three decades, he has performed with the Chautauqua Festival Orchestra in New York each summer, and connected with audiences in mid-Michigan as principal flute of the Lansing Symphony Orchestra. His impeccable sound, articulation, intonation and musical leadership set an enviable artistic standard.

Sherman has presented recitals, orchestral concertos and master classes in many states as well as invited appearances in Ireland, Taiwan, Uzbekistan, Puerto Rico, Brazil and Australia.

For his passionate commitment to flute performance and education, Richard Sherman is highly deserving of the Michigan State University William J. Beal Outstanding Faculty Award. 

Read another nice article about Professor Sherman from The Chautauquan Daily.