A native of northwest Ohio, Richard Watson has enjoyed an extensive diversity of experiences in his career, from orchestra to jazz, salsa, and r&b. He is currently Adjunct Professor of Tuba/Euphonium at Valparaiso University, Principal Tuba in the LaPorte County Symphony Orchestra, and trombonist with the Together Band. For 12 years, he was Principal Tuba of the Honolulu Symphony, and was also very active as a freelancer there, performing in shows and jazz clubs, frequently performing with the legendary jazz great Gabe Baltazar. He has been substitute or extra tuba with the Houston, St. Louis, and Utah symphonies, and the Philadelphia Orchestra, and was Principal Tuba of the Aspen Festival Orchestra. He holds degrees in Tuba Performance from the University of Michigan and Northwestern University, and studied privately with Abe Torchinsky, Arnold Jacobs, Roger Bobo, Tommy Johnson, and Roger Rocco. His love of teaching extends beyond music. An avid motorcyclist, he has taught motorcycle safety classes for over 30 years.