Today we’d like to introduce you to Ralph Watkins.
Hi Ralph, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My story is one of blessings, hard work and opportunity. I was born and raised in Torrance CA. At 10 years old, I started music on the trumpet to get out of class. Little did I know this path would change my life forever. I continued with public school bands throughout middle and high school. Music followed me to El Camino Community College as I studied with amazing mentors such as Steve Tyler, Fernando Pullum, Ryan Porter, and the late great George Bohannon among many more. After getting my chops together and using those connections to play for legends like Kamasi Washington, BTS, Earth Wind and Fire and many more, I started to work on myself and expand my core skills to do what i love, which is primarily helping others. I’ve been teaching privately and at several high schools and non profits in the South Bay. In addition, during the pandemic I worked to improve my mixing, recording, and songwriting skills in a tiktok group known as Jazztok Official.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has never been smooth. I was diagnosed with ADHD at age 6 and have been struggling with those problems my entire life. My two biggest challenges are how long it takes me to learn new skills and trades as well as new songs or concepts and the struggle to maintain balance and insecurity. There are a lot of mistakes I had to make to truly become myself.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am an all-around music entertainer and educator. My principal instrument is trombone and voice. I play in about 6 different bands at any given time, as well as random one-off gigs in addition to running my own band known as “Ralph N the Band.” I also write, compose, produce, mix, and arrange music for myself and for others (particularly horn parts). Outside of that, I am an educator of over 10 years, mentoring privately on all wind instruments as well as small ensembles and youth groups. I am also on the board of directors of Inception Orchestra LA, a compositional mentoring program that teaches children to compose grand works. What sets me apart from most people is my personality and stage presence, which is a key factor in my performance, as well as my diversity of knowledge and willingness to help. I greatly enjoy seeing minds be inspired and helping good music thrive. If I can help with that for someone, I will feel accomplished.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
My social media or my business email are usually the best ways to contact me for work or collaboration. My Instagram is @ralphtheboneguy and my email is [email protected]. If you wish to support me in any way, shape, or form, you can help by simply supporting local music! Come listen to my personal band or any of the bands I work with. Hiring me helps me do what I love which is to give back to the community and you. I would love nothing more than to share my skills with you.
Pricing:
- $80 for private hour long lessons on any topic I described
- Contact me about booking any of my bands
- Free 15 minutes lesson for first time consulting
- Contact me for writing or arranging work, price may vary.
Contact Info:
