Richard E. Brown, MusD, was inspired to delve into the field of music by his father, who was a skilled musician. Playing banjo and guitar and singing, his father was a formative influence whose talents shaped Dr. Brown’s ambitions for the remainder of his career. Deciding to teach music due to the encouragement of his own former music teachers, he attended Central College, where he received a Bachelor of Arts in 1969. Continuing his education, he attended Florida State University, earning a Master of Music and Doctor of Music in 1972 and 1974, respectively. During his studies, he impressively came under the tutelage of such prominent composers as Carlisle Floyd, John Boda, and Charles Carter.
Since 1974, Dr. Brown has been a freelance composer and arranger whose musical works can be found in schools, colleges, and churches across the country. Composing instrumental music for his local church, he also has extensive experience in concert band, orchestra, piano, organ, voice, and chamber music. Alongside his composition endeavors, he served as a music teacher for various public schools between 1974 and 2005. Among the highlights of his career, he is perhaps most proud of his former students who engaged themselves in the music industry professionally. Several of his former students have become music teachers themselves; two are professional musicians in New York City, and one student was impressively a member of the United States Marine Band.
A member of the American Composers Forum, Dr. Brown has been applauded for his success in his field. In 1983, he received the Distinguished Alumni Award from Central College. Likewise, he has been featured in several Who’s Who publications since 1988 and was presented with the Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award in 2018.
Contact Dr. Brown:
