About Todd the Rocket
Todd the Rocket is an acclaimed performing/producing musician, DJ, and remixer; a living, breathing celebration of Soul Jazz, Motown, Philly Soul, Disco, Electro-Boogie, 80s Pop, 90s Party Jams, First Generation Hip Hop, Classic House, and sounds that have traveled the world over.
Recent events and appearances have included the Nantucket After Dark event at this summer’s Nantucket Wine Festival, providing music for a public art installation opening for the organ donation nonprofit Donate Life CT, and serving as a guest speaker and presenter on the 50th anniversary of Hip-Hop, and use of sampling in pop culture at the University of Hartford.
Known as a driver of arrangements, a supporter of vocalists and melodies, and a library of pan-global sounds and ideas, Todd the Rocket regularly performs on drums for a host of musical acts including the latest release by legendary singer songwriter Jonathan Edwards, and providing drums, percussion, and production for a variety of independent music artists around New England.
When not on stage or in the studio, Todd the Rocket frequently writes essays and articles about pop culture, teaches music studies, and is completing his long-awaited bachelors degree at University of Hartford.
Todd the Rocket is the owner/operator/co-founder of the Downbeat Renaissance, a media label/imprint of Milled Pavement Records.
Musicology Studies
Todd is presently a student in the University Studies program at the University of Hartford in Hartford Connecticut. He is pursuing a self designed musicology and humanities degree, focusing on the Arts and Media in Communities and Cultures. He hopes to complete bachelors degree studies in 2025.
During his time thus far at the University, Todd has been a presidents list scholar, a humanities seminar fellow and scholarship recipient, a colloquium presenter, and and in – class guest lecturer.
Previously, Todd has studied music and fine arts at Gordon College, University of Maine at Augusta, University of Southern Maine, and the Maine College of Art, where he was the first applicant and accepted student to the Bob Crewe Program of Art in Music.
He has studied prviately with Gary Spellissey, Manny Wise, and Steve Grover.
Teaching & Artist-in-Residencies
Drum, Percussion, & Digital Music Education with Todd the Rocket
For Students of All Ages and Interests Seeking to Learn About Today’s Music
Todd the Rocket Richard is a performing and teaching drummer, percussionist, DJ and producer
educating in contemporary musical idioms and issues.
Todd strives to utilize all available resources and technology to prepare students of all needs for lives with music,
whether as professionals or life-long lovers of musical arts.
Hello Students, Parents, and Administrators!
My name is Todd Richard, but many friends and fellow musicians call me Todd the Rocket. I am a career musician, performing and educating in drums, percussion, music technology, and other areas of professional music for over 25 years.
I’ve had the honor of studying music from phenomenal teachers and organizations, as well as learning from thousands of my own performances, offering invaluable on the job experience that can’t be replicated.
If we understand music to be a universal language, then we also understand that it needs to be available to everyone, regardless of their interests and what they decide to do with it. I’ve instructed students ranging in age from 4 to 74, and worked to inspire and educate students looking for a new hobby, looking for a new creative outlet, or wanting to explore a career.
The approach is universally the same. I strive to attach techniques and lessons to practicum, applying new skills to familiar music as quickly as possible. Students can expect to be seated at a drum set the first lesson, and virtually every lesson thereafter. Fundamentals are taught from the perspective of the drum set, unquestionably one of the most essential and exciting elements in modern music.
In addition to instruction and performance, I’ve worked in arts and entertainment management and marketing for over 20 years, and use these skills to mentor students who are seeking to audition for school programs, college admission, and various professional opportunities within arts & entertainment.
For Fall 2024 and Spring 2025 semesters, I will be offering private, group, and family lessons either at my home studio in Glastonbury, or at your residence in the Greater Hartford area.
Giving the gift of music could change the life of a student. If you are considering asking for a drum set as a gift, or considering gifting your aspiring student an instrument, please be in touch! I’ve worked with countless students and parents to price and procure the right instrument for each student.
As technology and popular music have evolved, one thing has stayed the same; music is a vital language to connect the people in our world, and the practice and art of music is as valuable to students as ever.
I’d love to speak with you about bringing your/your student’s drumming to the next level, whether a beginner just getting started, or more seasoned and experienced players.
Class & Private Instruction Experience:
Drum Class & Private Music Instructor, Snow Pond Arts Academy 2016-2017
Hip Hop Programs & Private Music Instructor, Maine Academy Of Modern Music 2006-2009
Private Music Instructor, Nantucket Comm. Music Center 1995, Nantucket, MA 2008, 2009
Jazz Ensemble Director, Lexington Christian Academy, Lexington, MA 1999-2000
Workshop & Artist-in-Residence Experience:
Hip Hop Summer Camp – Boys & Girls Club Of Greater Portland, Portland, ME 2008
Hip Hop Intensive Program – Long Creek Youth Development, Casco, ME 2008
Early Elementary Percussion Playshops – Parks & Rec. Dept, Kennebunk, ME 2006 – 2008
Drum & Percussion Artist-In-Residence – Nantucket Public Schools, Nantucket, MA 2003
Writing & Essays
Gene Speaks:
Celebrating the life and work of the
Left Rev. McD,
the inimitable
Gene McDaniels
“How Do I Know Gene McDaniels?”
A piece about Gene. Please enjoy. Photos by Matthew Robbins Photography https://medium.com/@toddtherocket/how-do-i-know-gene-mcdaniels-874be458866b
Happy Birthday, Gene
Gene McDaniels on Roberta Flack from The Downbeat Renaissance on Vimeo. Today is one day out of many in the year that we can all celebrate the life and work of the inimitable Gene McDaniels. I met Gene later in his life, after he had already influenced me and my music...
DJ Mixtapes
Bootlegs & Remixes
Recent Drum & Percussion Projects
Jonathan Edwards
Related Links:
rocketresources.com
milledpavement.com
thedownbeatrenaissance.com