studied German language and literature and empirical cultural sciences in Tubingen and Vienna, as well as violin in Nuremberg. He was executive director of the Schloss Werneck Chamber Orchestra (Bavarian Chamber Orchestra Bad Brückenau).
From 1992 to 2002 Rietschel was general secretary of Jeunesses Musicales Germany, subsequently general secretary of the German Music Council (2002).
Since May 2004 Thomas Rietschel has been president of the Frankfurt College of Music and Performing Arts. He is the father of three children.
