Richard started playing already at the age of 4 and had his first public performance at the age of 5. At the age of 14 he started playing as a professional pianist, first official show being in December 1978. Since then Richard has played on multiple stages in several countries using his unbelievably large repertoire and method of playing, often desribed as 'hypnotic'.

Richard also leads Järnefelt Institute, teaching his own method of playing and giving private piano lessons. Richard has worked with many well-known piano artists, such as Oksana Koleshnikova. He has also published two albums, one containing famous Christmas songs in 2008, and "Endless Love" in 2009.