Beginning in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, Richard Johnson’s budding interest in music took a life-changing turn when his move to Boxford, Massachusetts, set the stage for his journey of musical discovery and global success.

  At Susquehanna Township High School in Harrisburg, Richard Johnson’s musical talent was already emerging; he sang in choir and played trombone and piano. In his sophomore year, a conversation with his chorus teacher pushed him toward a decision that would shape the course of his career. 

  He reflected on the conversation with his chorus teacher, a moment that helped him envision the possibilities music could offer.

  “‘If you go into music, you’ll get to travel around the world, meet different people, and go to different countries,’ she said. I asked, ‘Will I get to eat good food and good cookies?’ and she said, ‘You’ll get to eat all the food and cookies you want—you won’t believe it.’ At that moment, I decided I was going to play music.”

  Johnson’s move to Boxford in his junior year introduced him to a new world of musical possibilities. At Masco, he quickly connected with band director Randy O’Keefe, who was a trumpet player, just like his previous band director in Pennsylvania. Their shared passion for music created an instant bond, and Johnson’s potential was recognized immediately in the band room.

  “When I got [to Masco], I was playing around in the band room. The director, Randy O’Keefe, heard me,” Johnson said. “I was playing gospel music, and he thought it was jazz. It sounded close to jazz, and he said, ‘I can teach you how to play some jazz.’ I said, ‘OK,’ and that’s where my jazz career started.”

  The guidance Johnson received from O’Keefe and other faculty members, such as John Moody, expanded his interests beyond traditional music. Moody, a dedicated music teacher and accomplished pianist, saw something special in Johnson. He introduced him to jazz theory, advanced chords, and new exercises that would later become foundational to his style. 

  “He gave me private lessons and a lot of material to learn. I’d learn it every week, come back, and he’d just keep giving me more. I enjoyed my time at Masco because it allowed me to grow,” said Johnson.

  By the time Johnson reached his senior year of high school, his musical abilities had reached a more technical level; the Masconomet curriculum had given him the flexibility to spend half of his school day at Berklee College of Music, where he further sharpened his skills. This opportunity proved to be pivotal for his future career, allowing him to immerse himself in a professional environment, surrounded by talented musicians who helped him to solidify his passion for a life in music. 

  “As a musician, it also allowed me to grow as a person because of the curriculum. That really set up my career for what I do now. I’m an associate professor at Johns Hopkins University, and I’m also the public engagement speaker for the whole university,” he said.

  Johnson’s passion took him around the world, both as an educator and performer; he has played alongside world-renowned jazz musicians, performed at prestigious venues, and even conducted masterclasses at top universities. His global adventures have not only broadened his expertise in terms of performance but also enriched his understanding of different cultures using the universal language of music.

  “I’ve done so many things: I’ve been to 91 countries. I’ve had dinner with Michelle Obama. I’ve met Bill Clinton three times. I lived in the Middle East, in Doha, Qatar, for four years. I’ve met a lot of kings and queens from Saudi Arabia and the UAE,” said Johnson. “It’s hard to pick just one, but right now, I’d say education is the most rewarding.”

  In addition to his teaching roles, Johnson has made significant contributions to the jazz community through his involvement with programs like Ravinia’s Reach Teach Play initiative. This program serves thousands of underprivileged students in Chicago’s communities, and it helps to open doors so that everyone can access and experience the positive impact of music. 

  “I get to educate a lot of young people in a program in Chicago called Ravinia, and I get to influence people considering going into the arts. My teachers taught me a lot, so I try to give as much back as I can—both inside and outside of my job,” he said.

  More meaningful than any accolades, he finds the most fulfillment in witnessing the success of his students and mentees. For Johnson, it’s about knowing he has played a part in shaping their paths and giving them the tools to succeed. 

  “I like seeing people grow. I like seeing someone start out knowing very little, and then after four, eight, or ten years, they come back, and it’s incredible to see how much they’ve matured.”

  Much like his own mentors, Johnson’s influence has come full circle, as many of his former students are now accomplished musicians and educators passing on their knowledge to the next generation. 

  “Some of my former students are now teaching in high schools. It’s impressive to hear them play. I’m like, ‘Wow, when I met this student, they couldn’t play at all, but now they’re incredible—they’re getting Grammys and everything.’ I joke with them, ‘I don’t have a Grammy! Give me one of those!’”

  As if balancing teaching and performing wasn’t enough, Johnson is also involved in directing live bands and has produced music featured in NBA game broadcasts. As the musical director for the Atlanta Hawks, he crafts dynamic and engaging soundtracks, ensuring an energetic atmosphere for fans.

  “When I lived in Atlanta after playing with Wynton Marsalis, I moved down there, put together a live band, and we played all the hits on the radio during the NBA games–that was a blast,” Johnson said. 

  Throughout setbacks, challenges, and triumphs, Johnson remains a believer in the power of determination. His experiences haven’t been without challenges, but it is the commitment to his craft and the people involved that has kept him grounded for so long. Having navigated a diverse range of cultures and narratives, Johnson’s message of resilience resonates far beyond music. A public engagement speaker at Johns Hopkins University, he regularly speaks with people from all walks of life, encouraging them to push through any obstacles that come their way. 

  “This is for any artist—or even anyone outside the arts. One thing I’ve realized is that whatever you want to do, you have to put in a lot of work and discipline. Ask a lot of questions. Write. Spend time on what you want to do. And make sure you keep the faith and don’t give up,” said Johnson. “You may not get what you want the first, second, third, fourth, or even tenth time—but on the eleventh time, when it comes through, it can change your life. So don’t give up. Keep studying. It doesn’t matter if you want to be a mathematician, a pianist, a gardener, or a movie actor. Even when you’re sad or feeling down and it doesn’t seem like you’re getting anywhere—do not give up.”

  From a Masconomet band room to international stages, Richard Johnson’s journey has been a symphony of hard work, perseverance, and passion. Though his career takes him around the globe, he hasn’t forgotten about his roots in Harrisburg and Boxford, where it all began. Whether educating the next generation of musicians or playing in front of thousands of people, Johnson continues to strike the right chord with those he encounters.