Ricky Lombardo, the eldest of three sons, was born in Trenton, New Jersey to a musical family. His father, Harry, was an accomplished and respected classical as well as jazz accordionist virtuoso. Additionally, his great uncle was a professional flutist in the famous LaScala Orchestra of Milan, Italy. Ricky, started his musical training at the early age of seven taking lessons from his father on the accordion then later began piano lessons. When in seventh grade he wanted to participate in the school band. After asking the band director what instrument no one else picked to play, Ricky started the flute.
Arranging and composing became an important part of his life during high school, where he wrote for the bands and orchestra. Deciding to make music a career, he went on to receive his formal education at Millikin University in Decatur, Illinois and Glassboro State College, Glassboro, New Jersey. It was in the college concert band at Glassboro, he met his wife, Marguerite (Peggy), also a flutist.
In addition to being accomplished at both the flute and keyboard instruments, he is an active arranger, composer and teacher. He currently is the band director for the Princeton Regional Schools, director of Flutistically Yours a professional flute quartet, leader of the Ricky Lombardo Orchestra, an eight piece commercial/jazz ensemble, and flutist/staff arranger for the newly formed American Heritage Wind Ensemble of Princeton, New Jersey.
Lombardo has numerous published compositions/arrangements to his credit, many of which have been performed worldwide. His works are represented by several companies including Alry Publications, Kendor Music, and Touch of Brass. In 1995 he formed his own company, Lombardo Music Publications (LMP).