Richard Dawson was born on March 22, 1972 in Northridge, California. He began playing rock guitar at the age of 13. Under the tutelage of Michael James, he quickly reached a level of mastery in this genre. He played in a number of rock bands and performed throughout the greater Los Angeles area.
   At the age of 18, Richard discovered classical guitar and began study with Dr. John Schneider an internationally recognized contemporary guitarist and radio host of the Local Village on KUSC in Los Angeles.
Over the next 4 years, Mr. Dawson excelled in his classical and contemporary studies. He played numerous concerts at Pierce College and local venues.
   In 1995, Richard began studies at the California Institute of the Arts (Cal Arts). Only two students were accepted into the guitar program that year and he was one of them. It was here that Mr. Dawson really began to flourish under the instruction of world renowned guitarists Stuart Fox and Miroslav Tadic. Mr. Dawson was at the the top of his class in each of his two years of undergraduate study. He composed a number of original works for guitar and performed a number of concerts and recitals in a wide array of genres. He graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Musical Arts Performance in 1997. 
   Mr. Dawson spent the next two years composing and performing before returning to Cal Arts for graduate studies. Once again he excelled and was at the top of his class, posting perfect scores throughout his tenure. Richard focussed primarily on classical and contemporary guitar and composed a number of works including a a syphony.
   Richard received a Master of Fine Arts degree in Multi Focus Guitar in 2002. Since that time, he has been composing, teaching (including 3 years at Cal Arts), and performing throughout the greater Los Angeles area. Mr. Dawson recently finished recording his debut album and looks forward to having it available for purchase in the coming months.
   Mr . Dawson is currently accepting requests for engagements, lessons, studio work, and concert halls. Please contact him for rates and availability. Thank you.


Richard R. Dawson MFA
guitardawson@msn.com
818.609.7493