Dr. Richard Human

Dr. Richard Human is a distinguished trombonist, educator, and audio-visual specialist whose career seamlessly blends performance, music education, and audio technology. As Associate Professor of Trombone at Mississippi State University, he has performed across the Southeast as a soloist, chamber musician, and orchestral player, all while shaping the next generation of musicians and audio professionals. In addition to his academic role, he remains an active freelancer in the Golden Triangle region, contributing to the local music scene.

Dr. Human holds a B.M.Ed. from Augusta State University, an M.M. in Trombone Performance from Bowling Green State University, and a D.A. in Trombone Performance and Orchestral Conducting from Ball State University. He studied trombone with Arvard Larson, David Vining, Paul Hunt, and John Seidel and received conducting instruction from Eloy Fominaya, Harry Jacobs, Emily Freeman Brown, and Leonard Atherton.

His journey into music technology began at age 15 when he was gifted a Commodore 64 computer, sparking a lifelong fascination with computers and technology. Over the years, he has held technology-focused positions in Augusta, GA; Bowling Green State University; Ball State University; Indiana Wesleyan University; Appel Farm Fine Arts Camp; and currently, Mississippi State University.

Following the 2022 opening of MSU’s $21 million state-of-the-art music facility, Dr. Human founded the university’s audio production program and launched Hardy Road Studios—a student-led audio production studio providing professional recording services to the MSU campus and the Golden Triangle region. His leadership in this initiative has given students hands-on experience in real-world recording and production, bridging the gap between academic study and professional application.

With an extensive background in audio production, AV technology, and recording, Dr. Human has been instrumental in mentoring students in audio engineering, overseeing AV systems, and leading the development of MSU’s audio production minor. His passion for both the art and science of music drives his work in the classroom, on stage, and behind the mixing console—continuing to inspire the next generation of musicians and audio professionals.