Rick Beato - no ordinary musician

The author is a retired teacher from Hexham, a historic town in the UK. During his many years in the classroom across Britain, he was known for creating a lively, engaging environment for learning. He now continues to express his passion for learning and sharing knowledge beyond the traditional classroom. His story is a reminder that fresh starts are always possible. Here, he writes about a unique voice in the music industry.

Rick Beato is a multifaceted American music professional whose career spans performance, production, education, and digital content creation. Born on April 24, 1962, in Rochester, New York, Beato’s early exposure to diverse musical genres laid the foundation for his extensive contributions to the music industry.

Early Life and Education

Growing up in a large family in Rochester, Beato developed a passion for music at a young age. He pursued formal music education at Ithaca College, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Music. Furthering his studies, he obtained a Master’s degree in Jazz Studies from the New England Conservatory of Music in 1987.

Academic and Teaching Career

Beato’s academic journey led him to roles as a university professor, where he taught music theory and jazz studies. His teaching stints included positions at institutions such as Ithaca College, the University of Alabama, and the Berklee College of Music. His ability to elucidate complex musical concepts made him a respected educator among students and peers alike.

Music Production and Studio Work

In 1995, Beato established Black Dog Sound Studios in Atlanta, Georgia, providing a creative space for artists across various genres. He co-founded the record label 10 Star Records with partner Johnny Diamond, further cementing his role in the music production landscape.

Beato’s production credits include work with bands such as Shinedown, Needtobreathe, and Parmalee. Notably, he co-wrote Parmalee’s hit song “Carolina,” which reached number one on the Billboard Country Airplay chart in 2013 and achieved platinum status.

YouTube Career and “Everything Music”

In 2015, Beato launched his YouTube channel, “Everything Music,” aiming to share his extensive knowledge with a broader audience. The channel gained significant traction after a video featuring his young son demonstrating perfect pitch went viral, amassing over three million views.

Beato’s content encompasses music theory tutorials, song analyses, and interviews with industry professionals. His series “What Makes This Song Great?” dissects popular songs to explore their musical structures and compositional techniques, attracting millions of viewers and solidifying his status as a leading music educator online.

Advocacy and Industry Impact

Beato has been an advocate for fair use in the digital age, particularly concerning music education content. In July 2020, he testified before the United States Senate Committee on the Judiciary during discussions on the Digital Millennium Copyright Act, highlighting challenges faced by educators and content creators on platforms like YouTube.

Publications and Signature Instruments

Beyond digital content, Beato authored “The Beato Book,” a comprehensive guide to improvisation for guitar and other instruments. In 2021, Gibson introduced the Rick Beato Les Paul Special Double Cut, a signature guitar model featuring unique specifications and Beato’s signature, marking a notable collaboration between a major guitar manufacturer and a YouTube educator.

Personal Life

Rick Beato resides in Georgia with his family. His son, Dylan, has been featured in several videos, showcasing musical talents that have captivated audiences worldwide. Beato’s commitment to music education and his ability to connect with audiences of all ages continue to inspire musicians and learners globally.