Walt Richards |
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Walt Richards began performing while still in high school, having taken up guitar at age 15. Within a year he had gravitated to banjo, soon becoming one of southern California's best known players, with multiple wins at Topanga in the 60's and 70's. He also toured nationally with the Eddystone Singers and the Appalachians in the 1960's. Although offered other career opportunities related to his college degree, music kept drawing him back and he started teaching banjo and guitar at a local music store in 1963. Walt has been playing and teaching music in the San Diego area for more than 40 years. As a multi-instrumentalist and vocalist, he has worked with many diverse musical groups, doing studio work and live theater (The Old Globe, Starlight), besides being a solo and group performer. Earlier work for television earned an Emmy for Walt and partner Vickie Cottle. His most recent television credits include train songs sung for a documentary originally commissioned by Disney. In 1974, Walt and Vickie Cottle formed The New Expression Folk Music Study Center in San Diego. The retail part of the center was later sold to George Thorword to become the well-known House of Strings in North Park, where Walt continued to teach. In May 2004, the House of Strings transformed into the beautiful Acoustic Expressions music center and then again into The Old Time Music Store, also located in North Park and it is there that Walt has set up his new teaching studio.
An Experienced Instructor
Walt works mainly with adults who have always wanted to play - who used to play and want to get back into it - who already play and want to improve - or who want to learn another instrument. He has a very loyal following of long-time students - and, a waiting list - probably because he has an uncanny ability to identify the exact area on which to focus to help each individual progress to ever higher levels. Many of Walt's students are now professional musicians in their own right.
For the past twenty-five years Walt has offered a free "Slo-Jam" evening, once a month, through the facilities of the parks and recreation department. This free, open-to-the-public event has been a big success, with steady attendance and a solid core of repeat participants. The first hour focuses on aspects of theory, instrumental technique, harmony and arrangements, and performance skills. Walt then divides the 30 or so people into 3 groups who go off to other rooms with an assignment of preparing a song . After an hour, during which Walt circulates and assists if needed, everyone reconvenes for "the concert". Walt's skill in working with a group this size and his vast amount of knowledge about, and skill on, the various instruments keeps the Slo-Jam a popular event. To make it possible for intermediate players to have a band experience, Walt works with small groups - helping each person learn how to be a positive contributor to their own group's particular sound in taking breaks, playing backup, singing harmonies and making arrangements. After working together for awhile, most groups have begun to perform in local venues. One of Walt's greatest pleasures is in seeing his students do well. He is happy to back them up in contests and offer assistance as they venture into solo/group performances. He is able to give beginner/intermediates the solid backup that leads to development of self-confidence and musical success. Walt also offers performing, informational and teaching workshops in banjo, guitar and mandolin, as well as leading a traditional banjo group, The Soft Touch Banjo Ensemble. Bay area musician, Libby McLaren, perhaps summed it up best after watching him with some of his students when she was in San Diego for a workshop. She referred to Walt as " .. a gold mine for those of us lucky enough to be in his musical sphere."
Lessons are 30 minutes long and are offered in a comfortable, air-conditioned studio located in the Old Time Music Store on Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday's from 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM. Students are encouraged to record their lessons. (Cassette or CD format available at studio) Walt
Richards - Instructor
A Versatile PerformerIn addition to his instrumental and arranging talents, his rich voice and harmonizing ability make Walt an extremely versatile performer. His active vocal repertoire includes 100's of folk songs, with recent focus on train and cowboy songs. Walt is also a folklorist with a wealth of information on the history of his instruments as well as on the evolution of various types of folk music. Audience members often comment on how much they learned as well as enjoying the music at his concerts. Walt has performed with Bow Willow, an acoustic trio with "resident" 4th partner, a cowboy poet, and currently performs with Trails & Rails, an acoustic duo. Both groups include folk, western, train, blues and swing tunes in their repertoire. He also plays guitar, bass or banjo with the 15-peice swing group, The Brass Key and Wind and performs regularly with the Soft Touch Banjo Ensemble, which he established in the mid 1990s. All groups, as well as Walt himself, have recently-produced CDs. (For further information, see group web links.)
(by Paula Strong - a long time student)
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Copyright 2004-2007 Walt Richards |
