Feature: Kinsley Richardson and the business of music

A common misconception around campus is that in order to do music at USC Aiken, you have to major in it. This is incorrect, and sophomore business management major Kinsley Richardson proves it.

Richardson has been singing since she was in elementary school, and she has also been playing guitar for about two years. However, she shares her passion for music with something else as well: a passion for business.

Richardson originally was only a business major, but after inquiring about singing opportunities with the university’s Concert Choir conductor Dr. Scraper, she realized that she could keep music in her plans as well.

“After meeting with Dr. Scraper about joining the university choir, I realized that I could minor in music as well. That lead to me realizing that I want to be in the business of the music industry.” Richardson stated.

Richardson explained two people in her life that helped her realize she could minor in music, stating, “The first person would be a teacher that I had 6th through 8th grade that was awesome. That was when I realized that I had a genuine love for music.”

The second person, Richardson continued, would be her father.

“I feel like he’s a lot like me,” she said, “and he’s the reason I grew up with music. He’s also teaching me how to play guitar.”

In five years, Richardson stated that she would be, “Hopefully working in a talent agency or having a management position with musicians.”

Richardson currently participates in two on-campus choir ensembles, the Concert Choir and Canticum Novum Women’s Choir.

“I think that the music program is really cool because even though it’s a small community, everyone is really nice and close-knit, and the professors are amazing. The business program is great as well because I feel like the classes I’m taking are really preparing me for what I want to do,” said Richardson.

When asked about her favorite musical artist, Richardson stated, “I love Pentatonix. My dad introduced me to the show ‘The Sing Off’, and I found them on there. I’ve been a huge fan of theirs since then.”

Richardson plans on tackling the music business head-on, and with her eye for talent, don’t be surprised if she’s managing the next big star!