About the Author

Dawn Richardson is a San Francisco based drummer and teacher. She believes anyone can play the drums and encourages all who are interested to try it out! Dawn has taught students ranging in age from three to sixty three with an equally wide range of drumming aspirations. Dawn strives to help each individual reach his or her musical goals using proven teaching materials and methods to help promote proper technique, while continuing to be open to creating new approaches to helping students learn. That perspective has manifested into various method books and videos to date.

Dawn’s book, “Building Blocks of Rock, Fundamental Patterns and Exercises for the Rock Drummer” (1998) has been well received by students and teachers alike as a beginning drum method. Other titles that are available through Mel Bay Publications include the following method books and charts: “Kid’s Rock Drum Method” (2011); “Beginning Rock Drum Chart” (2009); “Block Rockin’ Beats” (2006); “Fill Workbook, Short Fills and the Tools to Create Your Own” (2005).

Dawn has also toured or recorded with a wide range of diverse musical artists such as Tracy Chapman, Joey Santiago (The Pixies), Joe Gore (P.J. Harvey/DJ Shadow), Vicki Randle (The Tonight Show), Shana Morrison, Penelope Houston and The Loud Family, to name a few. Dawn is perhaps best known for her work as the drummer of 4 Non Blondes. As a member of that successful rock band, she received gold and platinum records for sales in the United States along with thirteen gold records and nine platinum singles for international sales. She toured the world, opening for such rock legends as Aerosmith, Neil Young, Pearl Jam, and Prince and has appeared on national and international television performing live on Late Night with David Letterman, The Late Show with Conan O’Brien, MTV’s Beach House, The Billboard Music Awards, and England’s Top of the Pops.

Dawn got her start on drum kit with Jim Volpe and Jim Vessiny in Southern California. She holds her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Percussion from Cal State Los Angeles and has studied with the principal percussionist of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Raynor Carroll and with studio greats Steve Houghton and Greg Goodall. Dawn is endorsed by Zildjian Cymbals, Vic Firth Sticks, Drum Workshop Hardware and Pedals, and Pacific Drums.

Website: www.dawnrichardson.com
YouTube Channel: dawnrichardsonsf