Howard B. Richman is the owner of Richman Music School. He has been teaching piano since 1975. It has been a dream of his to invite other excellent teachers to join his company, to share their knowledge on their respective instruments. This process officially began in 2017 and he is thrilled to be able to expand in this way.
He teaches piano, keyboard, theory and composition/songwriting.
Mr. Richman enjoys teaching all styles of music and working with young and old alike. Many of his students are complete beginners. And many of his students are advanced professionals who need help in specific areas.
His innovative book on sight-reading, Super Sight-Reading Secrets has developed quite a following, with 45,000 in print. It is currently in ebook format. Richman is passionate about helping people learn how to learn. His article on study tips has helped thousands of college students improve their study skills. Mr. Richman has also developed a rehabilitation program for pianists with pain or injuries. He studied the biomechanics of playing to maximize efficiency and relaxation and is often sought as a consultant for other teachers and doctors dealing with musicians’ hand injuries.
Richman’s approach to teaching music is innovative, yet compassionate. Early on, after having several high-pressure teachers of his own, he decided that he would use “positive reinforcement” in his own teaching rather than beating the student down. One of his specialities is to help people break through their most stubborn blocks towards reaching their goals. He is also an empowerment coach.
Howard B. Richman has a B.A. Degree from UCLA in piano performance and an M.F.A. degree (Master Fine Arts) degree from California Institute of the Arts, where he also taught on the faculty for three years. His own teachers include Adela Gebr, Steven Gordon, Nadya Cataldo, Cary Lewis, Aube Tzerko, Edward Auer, Johana Harris and Leonid Hambro.
Richman is also a composer of pop, musical theatre, jazz and new age, film music. Since 1982 he has been a pioneer in a special type of music medicine called “entrainment” music that is geared for specific illnesses.
Howard B. Richman is married to Cherie Valaray, who is an actress/singer and a voice teacher. Together, they have a daughter, Danica Richman. Howard also has a son, Oliver Richman from a previous marriage, who is a highly-talented singer and actor. Mr. Richman’s father is well-known actor, Peter Mark Richman.
