Music Education
Richard Niles got his B.Mus from the Berklee College of Music where he studied with Gary Burton, Pat Metheny, Michael Gibbs, and Herb Pomeroy. He received his PhD from Brunel University for his thesis "The Invisible Artist" later a BBC radio series and an acclaimed book.
Composition
for commercials, TV, Video Games,
and Film.
Learn ‘target writing’ to plan your composition and write better, faster!
Arranging
Songwriting
Vocal Performance
Learn to:
- Develop your voice as an instrument.
- Control your tone throughout your entire range.
- Control your dynamics,and plan the ‘arc’ of a song.
- Understand and express lyrics more deeply.
Artist Development
Work with him to analyze:
- Who you are as an artist.
- Where you want to go.
- How to systematically develop to become your best self.
Guitar
- Understand Harmony & Theory.
- Learn to read music confidently and understand lead sheets.
- Learn effective practice techniques.
- How to create a setlist and perform confidently.
Testimonials
“Niles’ wealth of knowledge and experience coupled with his love for both jazz and popular music is clearly embedded in his teaching methods.”
”No one else is making music at this level of creativity and craft. The students whose work he critiqued got a lot out of the experience.”
“Niles’ presentation was certainly informative, and yet very friendly and approachable. I think all students like that attitude: ‘He’s not talking to me like I’m way below him.'”
“Niles’ teaching style is very, very cool – and very amusing at the same time as delivering the real deal right to the front door of the student, not giving them any choice but to pay attention to it.”
“Niles pushes the ear and imagination to encompass the working of other people’s minds.”
“Niles is a great music man; his books show creativity, intelligence and a deep understanding of both the history and the latest developments of his craft.”
“Richard Niles is a savant with a sense of humor. His writing is insightful, educational and downright hilarious!”
“I’m absolutely knocked out by the depth and breadth of your knowledge, but most especially by the wonderfully humane, authentic, and honest way you deliver the material. Congratulations on this masterpiece – an important work.”
“Niles empowered our students to work with incredible songwriting tools and insight.”
“Thank you for all your help with my songwriting. I remember being really inspired by your teaching.”
“Adventures in Arranging is about how you arrange. It is such an easy read, full of humor informed by Niles’ vast and rich experience.”
“Adventures in Arranging is a textbook that should be in the libraries of every college music department in the world!!”
“Adventures in Arranging is a must for every aspiring arranger, and a very useful resource for anyone already advanced in this field.”
“Piano Grooves is a great tool for the serious pianist to work up grooves, understand styles and develop their talent to the full. Oh….and it’s fun too! Enjoy and experiment.”
"I have tremendously enjoyed your Pat Metheny book and will retain many of its cognitions for years to come. It is a valuable contribution and has been a source of inspiration. What a wonderful accomplishment and contribution. Bravo."
Radio Richard and More
To hear Richard's music, and to enjoy his many interviews with some of the greatest artists of our time, check out Richard's YouTube channel, and podcast.
YouTube Channel
You may watch the video version of Richard's Podcast
available on his YT Channel.
For musicians of all levels, Niles offers free music lessons to help them enhance their skills and deepen their understanding of music. Subscribe to Richard Niles' channel to unleash the transformative power of music and access a wealth of knowledge, inspiration, and creativity through the latest content
Radio Richard - Richard Niles Podcast
Listeners can tune into Niles' podcast, "Radio Richard," where he shares insights on music, culture, and life, along with captivating interviews with guests from diverse backgrounds. It's a must-listen for anyone interested in music, creativity, and personal growth.