Most works feature the use of conventional harmony, with great clarity of individual melodic lines.
Risher's works transcend the superficiality of much popular music, however, in their frequent use of complex canonic and polyphonic structures and additive rhythms.
Risher's works for early instruments have been commissioned by a number of major ensembles, including Palladian Ensemble, Baroque Northwest, Tintagel, and Trio Dolce.
Among Risher's favorite forms for such works are the ground bass and chaconne.
He is a member of the electronic group "Paragaté", and has released a set of CDs on the Camerata label.