Vincent Richardson
Vincent's Bio
Vincent is an accomplished pianist, composer, producer, and educator whose musical journey spans classical, hip-hop, R&B, and jazz. Born in Michigan and raised in New Haven, Connecticut, Vincent discovered early on the transformative power of music. Growing up in a family steeped in gospel and soul, he found his voice through the piano, an instrument that became his emotional anchor and creative outlet. By the age of thirteen, he had already begun composing original music and performing publicly, including an early career highlight—a performance in Tosca with the legendary Luciano Pavarotti.
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After relocating to Washington, D.C., Vincent studied under internationally acclaimed pianist Dr. Raymond Jackson. He earned a full scholarship to Carnegie Mellon University and later graduated cum laude from Howard University with a Bachelor of Arts in Piano Performance. He went on to receive his Master’s Degree in Piano Performance from Howard University, where he served as a graduate assistant and was awarded the prestigious French Irby III Award for Outstanding Graduate Student.
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Vincent’s eclectic musical voice evolved further in D.C.’s vibrant music scene. He founded the critically acclaimed hip-hop band Lauda, and as a keyboardist and backing vocalist, toured with R&B icon Amel Larrieux. He has composed music for television (BET’s Multitude of Mercies) and collaborated with an impressive roster of artists, including Lauryn Hill, Mya, Bilal, Ledisi, and Grammy-nominated artists Wayna, Maysa, and Raheem DeVaughn. His skills as a songwriter and producer are featured on numerous records, including the posthumous Phife Dawg album Forever, where he contributed to five songs alongside collaborators such as Q-Tip, Angela Winbush, and Nottz.
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His tribute song, "Dear Dilla", co-written with Phife Dawg, is permanently featured in the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C.
Vincent is the founder and director of the Richardson School of Music, a respected institution providing private and group music instruction in the Washington, D.C. area for over a decade. He also served as a Governor of the Washington, D.C. Chapter of the Recording Academy (Grammys), further cementing his commitment to advocacy and mentorship in the music community.
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Currently, Vincent continues to compose, perform, and teach, drawing on his classical training and industry experience to inspire the next generation of musicians. His work stands at the intersection of education, cultural preservation, and creative innovation.
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