MELANIE RICHARDS  is a native Texan who began piano study with her mother Dorothy Washburn and later studied with Bomar Cramer in Dallas and Edna Golandsky in New York (Taubman Approach). Growing up in a musical family, she also studied strings with Franklin Washburn, then organ from age 15. A family chamber group provided an incomparable background in ensemble playing as well. An honors graduate of Barnard College, she was also awarded departmental honors (music) and was elected to Phi Beta Kappa; she later pursued an interest in musicology, earning a Master’s degree from the University of North Texas, where she was awarded membership in the honorary music fraternity, Pi Kappa Lambda. 

Ms. Richards has performed both as a soloist and as a collaborator and chamber musician for many years, in the New York and Texas areas, nationally, and internationally, with members of the New York Philharmonic and other musicians. For many years, she worked as a pianist at the School of Eurythmy in Rockland County, NY, including for five years as tour pianist for Eurythmy Spring Valley Stage Group, touring internationally in Europe and across America.  She also had a long career as a church musician.  While composing was always part of her musical life, now she has expanded it to work on larger projects.
The Richards moved to the Austin area in 2009.


Member, Music Teachers National Association, at national, regional, and local levels (students can take advantage of local and state juried festivals, competitions, and other activities)
Performing member, Wednesday Morning Music Club, Austin; Audition Judge, Tempe Heinatz Award (National Federation of Music Clubs), 2015; ADMTA Festival judge, 2016, 2017, 2018.