Nimbus School of Music and Recording Arts | Youthink
Image credit:  Youthink | Garth Richardson shows Viola some of the equipment students attending Nimbus School of Recording Arts have access to.

Garth Richardson on Rock and Roll 101

by Viola Chen - Port Moody Secondary, Port Moody BC Jan 21, 2011
Being the son of renowned music producer Jack Richardson certainly has its perks. For Garth Richardson, these perks included being acquaintances with legendary musicians like The Guess Who and Bob Seger and swimming in the same pool as Alice Cooper as a youngster.
 
Knowing that a career in music was what he wanted, Richardson worked his way up the ranks and made a name for himself in the music industry. He has produced many albums for bands like KISS and Ozzy Osbourne and more recently co-produced K'Naan's Wavin' Flag.
 
With all his knowlege and experience, youth looking to pursue a career in music and recording arts can now look to Richardson as a mentor. As one of the co-founders of Nimbus School of Recording Arts in Vancouver, Richardson thrives on providing opportunities for young people who were born under circumstances less fortunate than his. The Canadian music producer and engineer took time out to show Youthink around the school and answer some questions for readers who might be interested in pursuing a music education or a music career.

Richardson does not hesitate for a moment when asked what the best part of a career in music is. “I’ve never had a job,” he says. “I’ve always made rock and roll.” However, he admits that contrary to popular belief, a career in music includes many challenging aspects. “Our field has always been, and always will be, a full entrepreneurial business,” he says.
 
Although most people tend to think that a degree in music is impractical, Richardson argues otherwise. “There are lots of jobs out there, it’s just that people always want the limelight jobs and those are getting fewer.” Instead of limiting themselves to studio work, Richardson advises music students to think outside the box and perhaps try audio work for cruise ships, for the courts and for television shows.

Through Nimbus, Richardson says that he is teaching students through first-hand experience – something that they do not have access to in a regular school environment. “Bob [Ezrin] and I have been taught about the proper way to make records. We’ve just shown the students how we’ve been taught.”
 
One thing is for sure, Nimbus ventures far from conventional teaching methods. “We’re a place for misfit toys, because everybody who comes into our school doesn’t fit in at a banker job,” he adds. “[The students] are actually rock-and-rollers. We’ve given them a home, family and a place to be free.”

Over the next few years, Nimbus plans on continuing its work of developing artists and guiding students. “We want to help bands and artists because since nobody pays for actual music anymore,” Richardson says. “We have to teach and do what the labels used to do.”
 
In addition, the school also has many ambitious goals to delve into the social scene. “We have contacted Children’s Hospital here in [Vancouver] and we’re opening up an actual studio there,” he explains. “We feel that music heals. We’re planning on helping Children’s Hospital and Camp Goodtimes. We want to save someone’s life." 
 
Having been involved in the music industry for 44 years now, Richardson’s passion for music does not seem to waver. For students who share the same passion, a career in music and recording arts may just be the way to go.
Comments (1)
Login or register to post comments. All comments have to go through a queue for approval to keep the nasty stuff out, but we'll post yours as soon as we can.

Great Article!

Submitted by Ashley on Fri, 01/21/2011 - 22:29.

“We’re a place for misfit toys, because everybody who comes into our school doesn’t fit in at a banker job,” he adds. “[The students] are actually rock-and-rollers. We’ve given them a home, family and a place to be free.”
- I love this quote!

Current Issue
table of contents
May-June Issue: Youthink Magazine
In this Issue
Past Issues
Raised hands in class | Youthink
How to Overcome the Fear of Participating in Class

Are you too scared of being wrong to put up your hand and answer?

Happy grads | Youthink
Sound Off: Don’t Let Your Final High-School Days Pass You By

Do you lie awake in your bed wondering what you’re supposed to do with your life after high school?

Justin Bieber Boyfriend | Youthink
9 Songs to Add to Your Summer Playlist
Here’s a playlist to get your summer started, so sit back, relax and have a listen!