At Boise State, you can find genuine superheroes walking the halls or leading lectures at any given moment. Whether it’s empowering creative thought, expanding knowledge through research or thoughtful mentorship, our faculty help students achieve their full potential while preparing them to tackle the biggest challenges facing the world today. For Boise State Music’s Dr. Richard Hutton, his superpowers not only help students reframe who can be a singer but also landed him a spot on the prestigious Yamaha Music’s 2024 “40 Under 40” list.
“The successful choral program gets everyone involved,” Hutton explains. “One of the things I love about choir is that anyone can join and find a sense of belonging. No instrument needs to be purchased, and no prerequisite needs to be fulfilled. I have the joy of recruiting even those kids who will say, ‘Oh, you don’t want to hear me sing.’ To which, I tell them, ‘Teaching you to sing is our superpower!’”
As assistant professor of choral music education and assistant director of choral activities, Hutton meets and embodies Yamaha’s selection standards for outstanding young music educators who demonstrate and share the joy and power of music-making. Selected from hundreds of nominations, Hutton joins Boise State Music’s Dr. Derek Ganong, who similarly made the list in 2023.
“One of our goals is to prepare students for successful careers in an increasingly interconnected global community,” says Hutton. “I am proud to equip future choral music educators with the tools to make an impact in the lives of students across the Treasure Valley and beyond.”
Please visit the Yamaha Music website to read more about Hutton and the “40 Under 40” advocacy program.