Richard Niles received his B.Mus. degree in Composition from The Berklee College of Music where he studied with Herb Pomeroy, Gary Burton, Pat Metheny and Michael Gibbs.  In 2008 Niles was awarded a PhD from Brunel University for his thesis, The Invisible Artist – Arrangers in Popular Music (1950 – 2000)

“His long and impressive experience informs his teaching and leadership. His enthusiasm for the creative process and working together as a team helps to galvanize students and serve the overall needs of the programme. His wealth of knowledge and experience coupled with his love for both jazz and popular musics is clearly embedded in his teaching methods."
Professor Frank Griffith, Director of Performance, Head of Jazz, Brunel University

Niles has been teaching and giving masterclasses for many years. He has taught his own degree courses Cultural Perspectives in Popular Music, Collective Arranging, Composition, Performance and Songwriting at

Brunel University, The Academy of Contemporary Music, The Tech Schools of Music, The Royal Northern College of Music, The Leeds College of Music, Musician's Institute. He has given masterclasses at The University of Southern California (USC) and California State University (CalState Northridge).

"Your teaching style is very, very cool–and very amusing at the same time as delivering the real deal right to the front door of the student, not giving them any choice but to pay attention to it." Virtuoso bassist and educator Janek Gwizdala

"Thanks for all your help. I remember being really inspired." ex-student Marina of Marina and the Diamonds

Dr. Niles’ unique courses include:

Professional Music Workshops (click 'Workshops' above)

Arranging Masterclass

Arranging in Popular Music – 3 day seminar

Pop Arranging Course

The Professional Record Producer – a unique production course concentrating on the producer/artist relationship

Professional Composition & Arranging

Collective Arranging (ensemble)

Cultural Perspectives in Popular Music (1900 – 2000) A history of poplar music course delivered over 1 or 2 semesters

Music Documentaries - Writing, producing and presenting music documentaries for Radio or Podcasts

Songwriting (Pop &Jazz) - 1 day, 2 lectures and 1 masterclass analyzing student work

Writing & Producing Music for TV and Radio Commercials - 1 day seminar

Creative Concepts for aspiring Geniuses – kickstart your creativity in a unique one-day workshop/lecture

Songwriting – lecture based on Niles' 30+ years of professional songwriting - featuring his 'Eleven Point Plan' for 'Target Writing'

Web Management for the Independent Musician - podcasting and webcasting course written with Janek Gwizdala

Note: Dr. Niles is happy to write classes and courses for your particular requirements covering any aspect of music, the music industry and how to stimulate creativity. He also has a great deal of music for big-band and singers and will work with your ensemble.  Dr. Niles also gives private tuition.

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