Richard Meek, a professor at Texas Tech University, celebrated his 60th year of service to the institution in April. Meek first joined Texas Tech in 1965 after completing his master’s degree at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York.
Meek said he was drawn to Texas Tech by influential figures such as Gene Hemmle and Robert Deahl. “I knew from a young age that I wanted to be involved in music,” Meek said. Growing up in a musically inclined family, he learned multiple instruments including bassoon, violin, and viola.
After earning his bachelor’s degree from Oberlin Conservatory of Music and weighing opportunities with major orchestras and bands, Meek chose an academic career at Texas Tech. He has since taught generations of students as a professor of bassoon and music theory while performing with symphonies across West Texas and northern New Mexico for more than four decades.
“For me, one of the things I love about music is you are working with people who, by nature and decision, are cooperating,” Meek said. “You’re making music together. You listen, and you help each other.”
Meek also helped found the International Double Reed Society and served as president of the Faculty Senate for two years. He organized new music symposiums at Texas Tech that brought contemporary composers like Lukas Foss to campus. Reflecting on his long tenure at the university he said: “Texas Tech has been so agreeable… The (students) are great, and there is an amazing family feel here.”
Looking ahead, Meek hopes to continue teaching for another year so one of his doctoral students can finish her studies under his guidance.
