Richard Watson

Biography

Richard Watson, a native of northwestern Ohio, has been instructor of low brass instruments at Valparaiso University since 1994. Prior to coming to Valpo, he was principal tubist of the Honolulu Symphony for twelve years, and during that time was a guest performer with the orchestras of Philadelphia, Houston, St. Louis, and Utah. He holds degrees in tuba performance from the University of Michigan and Northwestern University. His teachers have included Abe Torchinsky, Arnold Jacobs, Roger Bobo, Tommy Johnson, and Roger Rocco. In addition to his duties at Valpo, he teaches private students in the school systems of Valparaiso and La Porte and is a member of the La Porte (Ind.) Symphony. He also keeps a busy performance schedule in salsa, R&B, and jazz music with Orquesta Iluziones, Luv Jones, and Together. Watson’s love of teaching goes beyond music: he is an avid motorcyclist and a nationally certified instructor for the Motorcycle Safety Foundation. He holds the position of site coordinator and administrator for the ABATE of Indiana’s South Bend Motorcycle Safety Program.