Todd Richards
About
I teach guitar, electric and upright bass, and music production, backed by 20+ years of experience in private and conservatory settings. I also work professionally as a mastering engineer and have toured, performed and recorded throughout the US and Europe, studying and collaborating with exceptional artists. I have performed at many renown venues and festivals a well as NPR's World cafe with David Dye.
Teaching Style
My teaching style is clear and structured, but also flexible to your needs. I focus on musicality and connection, technique, creating a great sound, and helping you really understand how music and recording work. Whether you’re just starting out, looking to improve your production skills, or both, I’ll guide you step by step with steady, encouraging weekly practices—making sure learning feels rewarding and fun.
Curriculum
For guitar, we often reference method books to develop strong fundamentals, and I curate specific practices tailored to each student. For example, an upright bass student might work with the Simandl Method alongside scales and approaches developed by individuals like Barry Harris. A beginning guitarist might use a Hal Leonard Method Book to build foundational picking and fret board knowledge, while also learning to read tablature. And most importantly, we focus on playing—making sure students apply what they learn in real music.
Credentials & Affiliations
Education & Certifications
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Bachelor of Fine Arts, University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, 1999
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Wisconsin Conservatory of Music, 1992–1996 — Two-time Jazz Performance Scholarship Recipient
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Certified Apple Digital Masters