BioMusic has always been a very important part of my life. I was very lucky to know at a young age exactly what I wanted to do in life. I began singing at three and studying piano at five. By age 14, I was studying with world-renowned pianist, Dr. Raymond Jackson. I received a full music scholarship to Carnegie Mellon University and later attended Howard University, where I received my BA degree in Music. My passion for teaching led me to open a school, the Richardson School of Music, in Fairfax, Va. I owned and operated the school for several years until closing its doors in order to spend more time in the studio and performing.
Now, I sing, write, produce, arrange, vocal arrange, and record in the music industry. I am humbled to have worked with and/or shared the stage with many major artists over the years, including Chrisette Michele, Lauryn Hill, Melanie Fiona, Mario, Mya, En Vogue, Will Downing, Amel Larrieux, Bilal, Raheem DeVaughn, Howard Hewitt, Laura Izibor, Leela James, Goapele, Phife (Tribe Called Quest), Lizz Wright, Anthony David, Jaguar Wright, Res, and many more. I have also had the opportunity to perform at many prestigious performance venues such as: The Kennedy Center, Blues Alley, Carter Baron, The Birchmere, 930 Club, Black Cat, SOB's, and the Sugar Bar to name a few. In 2010, I co-wrote a song that hit #98 on the Billboard charts.
I love performing and creating my own music. However, sharing what I have learned over the years with others is equally rewarding. After 14 years of giving private instruction, my heart always brings me back to teaching.
Teaching StyleI believe that first and foremost, music should be FUN!!!! I make sure that students enjoy music and at the same time learn the technique, style, and beauty the art encompasses. Students are treated as individuals, and lessons are tailored to each child's learning style.
PianoI teach classical piano, "pop,” and improvisation for the piano from beginner to advanced. Beginners wanting to learn pop or improvisation will first have to learn the fundamentals of the piano, which I teach with a classical approach.
VoiceI teach Pop, R&B, Soul, and Rock vocals. Some might refer to me more as a vocal coach. Students will learn how to sing their favorite songs. While learning these songs they will be concentrating on proper breathing, pitch, and style. Students will do a lot of ear training and vocal exercises to strengthen their ear and voice.
GuitarI teach beginning guitar. Students who took my guitar class at Lowell over the summer were able to play songs in the first week!! Students will learn chords, scales, and improvisation on the guitar. They will also learn how to read guitar tablature.
SongwritingI teach songwriting in ALL genres of music.
Student AgesPiano: 5+
Voice: 8+
Guitar: 6+
Songwriting: 8+
SchedulingI am available Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.
I offer 30 minute, 45 minute, and 60 minute lessons. Beginners should only sign up for 30 minutes unless they are combining lessons.
Required Material- All students must practice AT LEAST 15 minutes a day. Parents must be willing to assist in making sure their child is practicing to insure progress.
- Piano students must have a piano/keyboard at home to practice on.
- Guitar students must have a guitar at home to practice on.
- Piano and guitar students will need their lesson book, a notebook, and a pencil each for each lesson.