Our Team

Ali Richardson- He/Him, Lead Music Instructor Ali was born and raised in Newark, New Jersey, and came to Philadelphia in 2002. Since then, he has shared his musical talents and teaching with thousands of students. From 2004-2012, Ali was co-founder and lead facilitator of the CODA Program, where he developed Hip Hop Jazz Musicology, and in collaboration with others, was able to share his vision through visiting school classrooms, summer camps, and workshops for young people as well as adults. Since then, Ali has continued to offer workshops independently and through the African American Museum, and most recently, as Vice President of Rappers and Rebbes (see “Projects and Partners” for more info!). Ali is a multi-instrumentalist. Although guitar is his “native instrument,” he also plays percussion, bass guitar, piano, and the dijeridoo! Ali enjoys teaching and working with all ages and academic levels. His mission and vision is to create a world where youth and elders can sing, play, learn, and teach together.