Long established as a world class teacher of singing, Richard Williams' intuitive method is detailed and extensive, yet remarkably effective with singers at every level. Many of his students have been heard as soloists throughout the Lower Mainland, and a handful in Europe as professionals. He himself enjoyed a distinguished career as a soloist in London, Paris, Frankfurt, Geneva, Milan and other major cities.
While performing in Europe, Richard continued his teaching career, with important appointments such as: Head of Vocal Studies at the International School of Geneva, Chef de Chant for the National Youth Choir of Switzerland, Chef du Choeur for Opera Studio de Genève.
Comments from Richard's singing students:
~~~ "I never thought I would be making sounds like this." ~~~ "It is extremely rare to find a teacher who not only understands the intricacies of vocal technique and the musical demands of this art, but also has the tools and communicative ability to impart this knowledge in a structured way." ~~~ "Richard's studio offers something very rare for the serious adult voice student: a community of like-minded singers. I used to hammer away in isolation. Within two weeks of joining Richard's studio, he started involving me in workshops and performance groups. I now have lots of opportunity to meet others at my own level, and to participate in ensembles as well as solo roles." ~~~ "Richard Williams was my first voice teacher. Not only did he lay the groundwork for a solid vocal technique that serves me twenty years later, he instilled in me a love of this art form. He continues to inspire and challenge me as a mentor. He is not only a superb vocal technician, as can be attested in his own masterful singing, he is a true artist and sensitive musician with a vast knowledge of all classical styles and repertoire." ~~~ "I'm positive it would be very hard if not impossible to find a better teacher of this wonderful art form." ~~~ "Richard's truly unique and innovative approach to vocal technique has transformed my singing in ways I could never have imagined. There is simply no better singing teacher working in Canada today." ~~~ "While the depth of his knowledge is impressive, and his own vocal talent rather spectacular, his style of teaching is brilliant because it produces the kind of results that take your vocal instrument to a whole new level." ~~~ "As a teacher of singing, Richard Williams is profoundly knowledgeable, wickedly unconventional -- and highly effective. A pedagogical genius who shapes one's vocal technique through an equal measure of rigour and humour. I've never gotten results like this from any other teacher (and I've had plenty.)" ~~~ "His style of teaching and teaching methods are true to those vocal techniques developed over the centuries since opera was born, but Richard has been able to fine tune many of these vocal techniques to better suit today's opera singer. His style is suitable for all singing voice types, be they soprano, mezzo, alto, bass, baritone or tenor, and incorporate his own brand of intelligent singing."