Richard Brunson is an established music educator and conductor who has led groups in diverse settings, from full symphony orchestras to chamber groups. In an academic role as an associate professor, Richard Brunson taught courses such as aural skills and elementary music methods, while overseeing the work of student teachers and directing campus performances.
Dr. Brunson led the Marshfield, Wisconsin, Central Chamber Chorale as director for several years, helping to facilitate well-attended concerts twice per year. Dr. Brunson also directed the Marshfield Symphony Orchestra, Concert Choir, and Community Singers. Dr. Brunson also offers private lessons in brass instruments and piano with the Elkhart School of Music. He has also directed the Faith Lutheran Church choir.
A music history scholar, Dr. Brunson had the opportunity to attend the International Conductors Guild’s annual conference in early 2025. He presented on “Ralph Vaughan Williams’s The Pilgrim’s Progress: Problems and Solutions for Future Performances” at the London event.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
I keep a running list of things that need to be done, and cross things off as I complete each task. If it is something that is multi-stepped, then I will break it down into various parts. In preparing for classes or rehearsals, I will spend time looking at the music or the lecture material to try to anticipate difficult areas that will need more attention in class or rehearsal. During classes and rehearsals, I expend a great deal of mental energy, pouring it into my presentation, and directing a rehearsal. I do this so that students and musicians can feed off the energy and be excited about what they are doing and learning. If I can inspire students to get excited about learning, they will take that excitement into the rest of their lives.
How do you bring ideas to life?
It depends on what the idea is, and what is required to “bring it to life.” As a music conductor, ideas generally require collaboration of musicians and other colleagues. Collaboration requires the ability to work collegially, and with good humor and grace in order to garner the cooperation of others. In writing and researching, I bring an idea to life through careful study, ruminating on my subject and what I have read or learned about it, and then patiently work through each element in order to organize it into something coherent and cohesive. In each plan or project, the basic idea is the same: plan, break down the project into its constituent parts and steps, organize, and execute.
What’s one trend that excites you?
I have always been fascinated by astronomy and space. One regret I have is that I never took an astronomy class; but I was always too busy taking music courses. As scientists continue to learn more about the universe, and how it is constructed down to the minutest element, I am endlessly fascinated by the complexity and beauty of the universe. The possibilities and concepts of reality itself are intriguing.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
Deep thinking. I spend a lot of time ruminating and pondering over what I plan to teach, or what music I am going to give my ensembles. By thinking deeply about things, I hopefully understand them better and more completely.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Believe in yourself. Trust yourself. Don’t give up. I guess if there is one thing I have struggled with throughout my life it’s self-doubt; not believing that I “have what it takes” to be a successful musician and teacher. I have also relied a little too much on what other people tell me before making decisions. As I look back, there are times when I really should have trusted my own “gut feeling” even though it was not what others were telling me.
Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you on?
The purpose of an education is not to get a job. The purpose of an education is to become educated! Additionally, the continuing emphasis on STEM in education is robbing people of learning how to be human. Like Theodore Roosevelt said, “To educate a person in mind and not in morals is to educate a menace to society.”
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
Read. Constantly read on a variety of subjects and genres. The best thing anyone can do, regardless of what field in which they work, is to be well-read in many areas and genres. This makes a person more interesting, better able to make connections between disciplines, and better able to think creatively.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
I remove myself from whatever situation I am in. I will take a walk, drink a fair amount of water, or listen to some music; just anything to give my mind a break for a few minutes so I can return to whatever I’m doing with a refreshed mind.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
I listen carefully to the concerns and needs of others. Most people only listen to respond. I listen to understand. When people feel like they have been heard and understood, they are far more willing to work together towards a common goal.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
One of the goals of a music director is to identify mistakes or problem areas in the music and help the musicians fix them, all with the goal of making the performance as flawless as possible. When I first started teaching, I became hyper-focused on fixing problem areas in the music, because I wanted my students to be as successful as possible. After several months of teaching this way, a student came to me. She expressed her appreciation that I was so dedicated to helping the students reach their fullest potential by identifying areas that needed improvement. However, she said that it would be helpful to the students’ morale if I could point out the good things they were doing as well. I realized that if all students hear is what they are doing wrong, or where they are falling short, they will eventually stop trying because they will feel as if they cannot do anything right and will never win the approval of their teacher. I took that to heart. Ever since then, I have striven to give as much or more positive feedback to my students as I identify areas that need improvement. I want my students to feel empowered, and capable of accomplishing anything.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
For many years I have been using Finale, a music notation program to write and arrange music for my students and other groups I have worked with. Unfortunately, the company has discontinued the software and I, along with so many others, will have to learn a new software program for music notation.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
I don’t know that I could name one book or podcast that is a favorite. I have recently read and enjoyed books by Fr. Richard Rohr. I find his universalist philosophy expansive and exhilarating. Ever since I was young, I have loved The Lord of the Rings. While most people dismiss it as simple fantasy, Tolkien was a deeply spiritual person, and his theology and his philosophy are fundamentally laced throughout the book in very profound and meaningful ways.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
I don’t go to the movies much anymore. But I think one of my all-time favorite movies is from 1972, What’s Up, Doc? starring Barbra Streisand and Ryan O’Neal. It is funny, witty, and has the best car chase through San Francisco I’ve ever seen.
Key learnings
- Plan ahead, be aware of what is coming up.
- Think deeply about what must be done to understand it completely.
- People need positive feedback in order to give their best efforts.