JR Richards
Voice, Songwriting and Music Production
45 Minutes - $250
Teaches: Beginner - Expert
Languages: English
Superior rating
ABOUT
JR Richards is the original lead singer and songwriter for the Platinum selling American band Dishwalla. He is currently a Producer songwriter and solo artist working on his 10th album. JR has written, performed and recorded 4 top 20 hits including the #1 hit song "Counting Blue Cars" which won a Billboard award for "Rock Song of the Year" as well as 2 ASCAP Awards. It’s pretty obvious that he LOVES Music! JR was singing before he could speak. He started playing piano at age 5 and wrote his first song at age 9 and has since sold millions of albums world wide.... He loves sharing his knowledge and experience with fellow musicians from beginners to pros.
Songs he has written and sung on have been on many TV and Movies such as: American Pie, How I Met Your Mother, Criminal Minds, Baywatch, One Tree Hill, Smallville, SAF3, Charmed....
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
25 years - studied Bel Canto opera Technique under Ron Anderson (Seal, Axel Rose, Alicia Keys). (https://ronandersonvocals.com/)
12 years classical piano under Peggy Shelton
15 years Jazz piano studied under Wayne Peet.
2 years as a music major at SBCC before being signed to A&M Records
JR has worked with and learned Production techniques from a variety of Grammy winning/nominated Producers including: Bill Szymczyk (Eagles, BB King), Sylvia Massy (Tool, System of a Down), Greg Wattenberg (Five for Fighting, Dishwalla, Goo Goo Dolls)
Produced 7 albums and co-produced 4. Two of those album have gone Gold and one Platinum.
Studied and worked with a variety of Grammy winning/nominated engineers including Brian Scheuble (Elton John, U2), Steve Churchyard (Eagles Sex Pistols) and Chris Lord-Alge (Green Day
JR has spent the last 25 years working in A-List studios including: Abbey Road, East West Studios, A&M Studios, Henson, Radio Star etc
30 years as a Pro Tools engineer.
5 years private instruction on guitar
4 years private instruction on bass guitar.
10 years privately teaching voice.
Over 9 years teaching songwriting.
Teaching Production techniques for over 15 years.
Has been teaching a songwriting course at NC State University once a year.
Has lectured on music at both USC and Full Sail.
TEACHING APPROACH
It really depends on the individual. I always tailor my process depending to what the needs are for each person I teach.
One think I will say is that I tend to teach mostly contemporary styles - whether it be Singing or Songwriting. Even though I have studied opera technique for over 25 years I prefer to teach contemporary artists using those proven techniques. (I don't work with too many opera singers)
REVIEWS
“JR was encouraging, patient, and above all, a great teacher. I wish I had done this a long time ago. I was so happy to have JR be the instructor for my first voice lesson ever. Thanks JR! - 5 of 5 Stars”
“Been doing vocal/singing lessons with JR since June 2020 and have learned so much and improved. JR is an awesome instructor and can really make a difference in your capabilities! ”
“I tried the songwriting session with JR and I must say it was one of the best experiences I have had, I was feeling a bit intimidated at first but JR really helps you feel comfortable and really listens to you to help you on coming up with a great song. I love writing lyrics and melodies and JR really helped bring my song to life beyond expectations.JR is one of the few rockstars who really cares about his fans and one of the nicest guys around. I also took his advice to better myself in songwriting. Thank you JR - 5 of 5 Stars”
“I honestly struggle to write this review, because there are no words that accurately capture how much of an impact JR has had on my life these last few months.
Back in October, my husband surprised me with a couple song-writing Skype sessions with JR. As someone with literally ZERO musical talent or rhythm, I came to the table with only my words, a poem I’d written about my mom’s passing 4 years ago.
JR could not have been more supportive! He not only created a melody to my words, but also took time to teach my husband (who is in a local band) how to adapt the song to his vocal range and his instrumental skills. Throughout these sessions, my husband and I got to know JR better, and I can truly call him a friend now.
JR allowed me to find an outlet for my grief, and I will be forever grateful for his help. I even got a tattoo of the name of our song (“Castaway).
If you are ever thinking of exploring your creative side, don’t let the logistics hold you back. JR is there to put music to your words, to allow them to be more than just ink on paper. He is truly incredible! - 5 of 5 Stars”
“Exceeded my expectations!! 5 of 5 Stars”
AWARDS - MERITS
R&R #1 Record of Year 1996
R&R #1 Top 50 Active Rock Chart - 5 weeks in a row R&R
R&R #1 Top 50 Alternative Rock Chart - 2 weeks in a row R&R
R&R #1Top50RockChart -2 weeks in a row
R&R Top 5 Hot AC Chart
R&R Top 5 CHR Chart
Billboard Award for ‘Rock Track of the Year’ 1997
Billboard #1 Heatseeker Album track
Billboard #1 Modern Rock Track
Billboard #4 Top 40 Mainstream track
Billboard #5 Hot AC track Billboard #15 Hot 100 track
iTunes #20 Debut Alternative US Top 50 Album Chart “A Beautiful End” 2009
iTunes #12 Debut Alternative Sweden Top 50 Album Chart “A Beautiful End” 2009
iTunes #48 Debut Mainstream US Top 100 Album Chart “A Beautiful End” 2009
iTunes #68 Mainstream Top 100 Singles Chart “Until I Wake Up” 2012
RIAA Certified Gold Record “Pet Your Friends” RIAA Certified Platinum Record “Pet Your Friends” RIAA Certified Gold Record “American Pie”
ASCAP award 1997 Song of the Year
ASCAP award 1998 Song of the Year
ASCAP award 1997 most played Song of the Year
ASCAP award 1998 most played Song of the Year
LA Mayor Honored Proclamation for Humanitarian Efforts 2012
I have been signed to:
A&M Records
Interscope Records
Universal
EMI Publishing
Sony/ATV Publishin