Thomas Richey

Bach. of Music, University of Utah, 2002

(double-major in Jazz Guitar Performance and Jazz Composition)

Guitarist/Bandleader — Composer/Arranger — Teacher/Author of Instructional Material

In overview: Thomas has performed virtually every genre of music that uses the guitar. He uses a holistic approach to music study, with a focus on achieving competency goals in the shortest amount of time possible. To accomplish this he is a proponent of “old-school” hands-on learning, time-tested musical drills, and clear goal setting and progress tracking. Asserting that “musicians are creative problem solvers,” he also utilizes many modern innovations to advance his students’ skills. He allows his students to select the depth of detail in their musical study, often discussing “universal principles” of music and practice, but with the option of going as deep as the student chooses into music theory, history of musical instruments, or the philosophy of “art.”

Bio: Thomas was raised in a family that valued the creative arts and allowed exploration of music, theatre, graphic arts, film, dance, and design. He began playing guitar in 1988, in the styles of folk, rock, country, blues, and oldies. He started formal studies in classical guitar in 1989, which further expanded his musical horizons. His first professional recording was in 1994 (a rock and blues album) and his in-depth study of jazz began in 1997. At university he also studied composition, studio recording techniques, electronic music, and began accompanying live theatre productions.

Thomas began teaching guitar full-time in 1997, both at the largest music stores in Utah and in his private teaching practice. He taught guitar at the University of Utah for 5 years, at the high school level for 4 years, at elementary through middle school for 11 years. He has been teaching guitar at Utah Tech University since spring 2024.

Thomas’ instructional publications include Complete Guitar Instruction, a book series focusing on traditional music academics and reading standard music notation on the guitar.

Trivia: Thomas is an experienced traveler, a history buff, and a lover of classic literature. He probably still speaks French (but doesn’t get enough practice). Enthusiastic about multi-disciplinary martial arts, Thomas trains whenever time allows. He is also an award-winning table-top game designer.