Honoring A Musical Legacy
Rick Rose (Maiuri) made his mark in Nashville, penning songs for Sony Music about matters of the heart.
But those closest to the accomplished musician and founder of the Niagara Institute of Music and the Arts (NIOMA) say his own heart was always in Niagara.
Rick remained deeply connected to Niagara’s music scene. He championed local musicians, supported festivals, and contributed to musical productions at Saint Paul High School, where his children, Melanie and Jake, studied and where Jake now teaches.
That’s why, when Rick passed away in July 2024, his family established the Rick Rose Music Foundation Fund with the Niagara Community Foundation.
“He was known as the local music man, a local hero,” said Rosa, Rick’s wife. “We want to keep that legacy going and the passion he had in it.”
The donor-directed scholarship fund will support local students of all ages who want to pursue music lessons at the school of their choice, covering instruction fees or equipment expenses.
The family will also provide scholarships to graduating high school students, who intend to study music in college or university. The first scholarships will be awarded in Niagara Falls, where the family lives. Plans are to expand in the coming years.
The fund itself will be sustained by donations through the NCF or NIOMA, and tribute concerts and events.
Despite the emotion involved, establishing a fund in Rick’s honour was an easy process with NCF, Rosa said.
He was known as the local music man, a local hero. We want to keep that legacy going and the passion he had in it.
Rosa Maiuri
“Our initial meeting we were grieving this huge loss of a wonderful husband, dad and papa and [Executive Director Bryan Rose] made it so comfortable for us,” she said. “He took the time to explain how everything works and what we’re going to do together as a team. It’s been a smooth process.”
The result is a memorial the family is certain would make Rick proud.
“He’d be honoured,” Melanie said. “He was very humble, so he might be a bit shocked but he would be honoured about carrying on his legacy.”