Ramon Ricker first began his musical studies on the clarinet at the age of ten. At sixteen, his interest in jazz led him to begin saxophone lessons as well. He received a bachelor of music education degree in clarinet from the University of Denver, a master of music degree in woodwind performance from Michigan State University, and a doctor of musical arts degree in music education and clarinet from the Eastman School. He is a featured saxophone and clarinet soloist and chamber musician in venues throughout Europe and North America, and since 1973 he has been a clarinetist in the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, which he occasionally conducts.