Meet the Music Tutor

I am Theresa Richards; The Music Tutor and to me, music is magic!

Music has been part of my life since I was a child; my earliest memory is playing my violin like a guitar! Since then, I majored in several instruments, such as the classical guitar, Flute and other instruments. 

I have performed in a variety of UK orchestras and was a sessional artist in recording studios. I have been teaching music since 1992 and continued it while I studied my nursing degree and during my career. However, my nursing career stopped in 2010 and I went back to university and gained my music degree and like nursing, I continued to teach music privately. I have found that many of my nursing skills have helped me to become a better music tutor, because it helps with communication skills, problem solving and to have a better understanding about people. As a result, I am advocate for encouraging those with disabilities and neurodiverse conditions into music by finding different ways and means, so everyone can share it’s power.

For my music degree, I studied at the highly prestigious Trinity Laban Conservatoire, in the Greenwich Naval College. I was fortunate to have learnt and performed in some of the world’s best music halls, surrounded by items of historical interest. I know that these fantastic opportunities would never have happened to someone like me, who lived in and out of children’s homes and foster care. It was music that had created so many opportunities, as well as helping with my dyslexia, time at school, different emotions and lots of other things. And I am certain, you too, will receive many benefits and opportunities when you learn and practice music.

Now, I am a co-director for a church band, and we play an assortment of music, from upbeat to meditative. It is a mixed ability band, from music novices to professionals. To include everyone, I arrange the music so each person can take part while ensuring we sound good and respectful.  I am a freelance composer and arranger, and I have composed for a range of projects, using different instruments and technology. I still enjoy performing locally on stage with the Crafters, and helping people to celebrate their life’s mile stones, such as wedding ceremonies.

The immediate future is bright and exciting. I have taken up Trinity Laban's invitation to study the Masters in music, starting in October 2023. My long-term plans involve finding ways to bring music to the communities in Willenhall, such as a choir and an orchestra designed for all abilities. Another idea is to visit residential and nursing homes for a sing along and bring music workshops to schools and other community groups, such as toddlers and those who want to do something different.