Richard Gonzales

Richard Gonzales, Treasurer

It is an honor to serve on the Board of Youth Music Project. Through life’s experiences, I have learned the importance of music and firmly believe in its healing and restorative powers. The wise philosopher, Plato, acknowledged that music is an important aspect of education. As part of his emphasis on the three disciplines of education, he stated that the third discipline is music “for the realization of the soul.”

As a young boy, I fell in love with the guitar and began teaching myself to play by the age of 15. The first song I learned was Porcupine Pie, by Neil Diamond. Although this song only contains three simple chords, I practiced and played it until my fingers bled! I feel a connection to Youth Music Project and the needs it serves, since music helped me cope with a difficult childhood.

In addition to my passion for all types of music, I have a CPA practice I started in 1992. In my business, I have worked with many non-profit organizations dedicated to assisting the most vulnerable people in our community. Thank you for allowing me to be part of Youth Music Project, an organization with the primary mission of transforming the lives of children and adolescents through exposure to music. I am proud to be part of these efforts.