With the snip of a red ribbon, what began 13 years ago as a small music school and a dream officially became a permanent fixture in Takoma Park that doubled and is expected to soon triple in size.
Gov. Wes Moore, Montgomery County and Takoma Park officials as well as family, faculty and friends of the Richardson School of Music on Carroll Avenue cheered the development.
“We are all here, because of you. You’ve been the risk taker. You’ve taken on the challenges,” Moore told Vincent and Taleesha Richardson. “Our job is to actually allow you to grow.”
“The truth is, it took sacrifice and a whole lot of people believing. It is a team effort along with the community,” said Vincent Richardson, as his three children gathered by him playing with the balloons that decorated the outside of the storefront.
“We will grow in confidence, community and creativity for years to come,” he said, noting the music school has five employees, 30 teachers and 250 students.
“This has been a journey for us,” Vincent Richardson said. “This took faith and sacrifice,” he said, adding, “I am just overwhelmed with joy.”
Until recently, the school rented a first-floor business. That facility remains, but it is now next to a two-story music school that the Richardsons own. Soon, they hope to excavate their building and turn a basement into yet another place to teach lessons, hold ensembles, early childhood programs, music therapy and community drumming.
The state contributed a grant of $150,000 and the City of Takoma Park contributed $10,000. Old Takoma Business Association also added funds for the renovations and building acquisition.
The Richardson children all play instruments. The nine-year-old daughter plays piano, violin, guitar and composes. The six-year-old daughter plays cello and piano, and the four-year-old son plays violin and piano.
Moore, who was born in Takoma Park, listened intently as a 15-year-old boy impressively performed a piano piece by Sergey Rachmaninoff.
Takoma Park Mayor Talisha Searcy said it was great that the music store was able to expand and own its own building without leaving the city.
She called Takoma Park “one of the regional go-to places for folk music and other kinds of music,” adding, “We have so many youth in our community that are interested in music.”
