For over a decade, the echoing strum of electric and acoustic guitars has become a defining natural sound of Shadow Ridge High school. Before bringing his passion for music education to Shadow Ridge. The teacher, Mr. Richards, forged a diverse career as a performing musician, playing in countless bands and touring across the country. This real-world experience is a key part of his teaching philosophy.
“I tell my students that there’s no substitute for experience,” Richards says. “Learning chords from a book is one thing, but understanding what it’s like to play on stage, to improvise, and to connect with an audience—that’s a different lesson entirely.”
This emphasis on practical application has made his guitar classes—from beginner to advanced—incredibly popular. Richards’ teaching style is a mix of structured lessons and freestyle exploration. He’ll spend one class period breaking down music theory on the whiteboard and the next leading an impromptu jam session, encouraging students to experiment and find their own sound. For many students, Mr. Richards’ classroom is more than a place to learn music, it’s a sanctuary. Behind the closed doors of his music room, students can shed their teenage anxieties and connect with their peers through the universal language of music. Richards fosters an environment of mutual respect and creative freedom, where mistakes are seen as part of the learning process rather than a cause for embarrassment. Alumni of the program often recount how Richards’ influence extended beyond music.
“He taught me patience and discipline,” says Sarah Jenkins, a 2018 graduate who now plays in a local Las Vegas band. “He always pushed us to be better, but he did it in a way that made us want to succeed for ourselves. I wouldn’t be the musician I am today without his mentorship.”
Over the years, Mr. Richards has been a driving force behind numerous school-wide events. His students are frequent performers at school assemblies, talent shows, and the annual “Evening of the Arts” showcase. These performances are a testament to his students’ hard work and his ability to prepare them for the stage.
The guitar program has produced some of Shadow Ridge’s most memorable musical moments, including a full-band performance of classic rock hits at a school pep rally that still gets talked about today. His impact has not gone unnoticed by his colleagues. Performing Arts Department colleagues James Halvorson and Tania Webb acknowledge Richards’ dedication and the high standards he holds for his students. The collaborative spirit within the department, fostered in part by Richards’ willingness to work with other music and drama programs, creates a vibrant and enriching experience for all students. As new generations of students walk through the doors of Shadow Ridge, they are introduced to the music program that has defined the school’s creative spirit for years.
Whether a student is picking up a guitar for the first time or is an advanced player, they find a place in Mr. Richards’ classroom. His legacy is not just the chords and riffs his students learn, but the confidence and camaraderie they build along the way. In a world that is often fast-paced and impersonal, Mr. Richards’ classroom remains a beacon of creativity and collaboration, proving that sometimes, all it takes to change a life is the right teacher, a guitar, and a passion for playing.
