Richard Harris

Biography

Richard Harris offers dynamic, highly personalized online trombone lessons for students at all levels—from motivated beginners to advanced and pre-professional players.
An accomplished performer and educator, Richard brings a unique combination of real-world professional experience and thoughtful, student-centered teaching. His career has spanned solo performance, chamber music, major symphony orchestras, and high-profile recording projects. He has performed on award-winning albums and film soundtracks, including the Academy Award–winning Joker score and Esperanza Spalding’s Grammy-winning Twelve Little Spells.

Richard is currently on faculty at the University of Denver (Lamont School of Music). He previously served as Assistant Principal Trombone of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra and as an Associate Member of the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra. He maintains an active performing schedule with leading ensembles such as the Boston Symphony, Seattle Symphony, and Colorado Symphony.

Beyond the classical world, Richard has collaborated with a wide range of artists including Sting, Chris Botti, Natalie Cole, Seth MacFarlane, and Andrea Bocelli. This breadth of experience allows him to guide students interested in orchestral playing, solo repertoire, chamber music, commercial music, audition preparation, and career development.
As a chamber musician, Richard is a member of Decoda (Carnegie Hall’s affiliate ensemble) and Summit Brass, and has performed with renowned groups including Canadian Brass and Empire Brass. His performances have taken him across North and South America, Europe, and Asia.

In addition to his performing career, Richard is a highly sought-after educator, regularly presenting masterclasses and recitals at leading institutions including The Juilliard School, Yale University, Boston University, New England Conservatory, Arizona State University, Texas Tech University, Baylor University, the Royal College of Music (UK), and the Royal Northern College of Music (UK), among many others.

Originally from England, Richard trained at the Royal Academy of Music before completing graduate studies at Indiana University and further professional training with the New World Symphony. He has also worked as a teaching artist with Carnegie Hall.

What You Can Expect in Lessons:
– Individualized instruction tailored to your goals
– Focus on sound production, technique, and musical expression
– Audition and competition preparation
– Orchestral, solo, and chamber repertoire coaching
– Practical insights from a top-level performing career
Richard is known for his supportive, focused teaching style and his commitment to helping each student develop confidence, artistry, and a clear musical voice.

SPECIALTIES:
Orchestra audition prep
Upper register
Legato style playing
All-State audition prep
College audition prep

LANGUAGES:
English