Richard Kogan

Richard Kogan has a distinguished career as both a concert pianist and psychiatrist. A graduate of The Juilliard School of Music and Harvard Medical School, he blends his expertise in these fields to explore complex interactions between music and mental health. He is a Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at Weill Cornell Medical College and serves as the Artistic Director of the Weill Cornell Music and Medicine Program.

Kogan is internationally recognized for his lecture-recitals that delve into the role of music in healing and the influence of psychological forces on the creative processes of renowned composers. He presents detailed narratives about composers who navigated mental challenges, such as Beethoven, Gershwin, Schumann, Tchaikovsky, Rachmaninoff, Mozart, Chopin, and Leonard Bernstein. His performances are not only demonstrations of musical excellence but also vivid illustrations of his scholarly talks. Kogan's approach to these sessions brings a deeper understanding of the interplay between mental illness and creativity, which has been featured in various programs including "Beethoven's Deafness: Psychological Crisis & Artistic Triumph" and "Musical & Creative Genius & Mental Illness."

Kogan's contributions to both music and medicine have earned him numerous accolades, including the American College of Psychiatry Public Service Award. His work is extensively recognized and he frequently presents at medical conferences, music festivals, concert series, and universities worldwide. Notably, his DVD "Music and the Mind," received commendation from celebrated cellist Yo-Yo Ma. Kogan's recent presentation at the Morning Forum of Los Altos was met with high praise, reflecting his continued relevance and impact in the fields he navigates.