Software Engineer, Musician & Product Builder
I build software to help people be creative. Full-stack Flutter developer by trade, lifelong musician by nature. I’ve spent years teaching, composing, and building tools, and I’m obsessed with making things that feel intuitive, playful, and human. If it sparks curiosity or creativity, I want to build it.
- Creative tools · music, art, and learning
- Cross-platform creator` · Flutter lover
- Composer · arranger · 30+ years pianist
Personality
A quick snapshot
Résumé sections tell one story; this is the more human version.
- Dad first: most of what I build is inspired by the world I want my daughter to grow up in.
- 30+ years at the piano: composing, arranging, performing, and constantly experimenting.
- My life mission is currently currently creating opportunities for people to be creative.
- Former music director and gigging musician: I’ve worked with beginners, pros, and everyone in between.
- I care deeply about making tools that feel welcoming instead of intimidating.
- I’m always sketching ideas for creative and educational technology.
- If I’m not coding, I’m at a keyboard, just a different kind.
Software
Projects & creative experiments
Pixelss: a pixel animation app for iOS, built with Flutter. Built solo; wrote music. Play on the web.
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Drag Bubbles: create peaceful, calming music by tapping and dragging bubbles around the screen. Free on the App Store for iPhone, iPad, and Mac (Apple Silicon).
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An interactive children’s educational music story for iOS. Programmatic UI, DSP, MIDI sequencers. Wrote story and created/recorded audio and visual assets.
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Master’s thesis deliverable, with source and PDF in this GitHub repo. The reader below is a landscape strip: pages are laid out side by side; scroll horizontally to move through the document (built with PDF.js on the page).
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Two-part timed exercise for a music-learning product: a feel-good pop piano part (90 BPM, pulsing 8ths, offbeat left hand, light 16th swing) under a beginner melody on white keys C4–E5. G major line starting on B4; rhythms adjusted so every figure matched notation already taught (final-phrase syncopation on the next downbeat; dotted-quarter–eighth endings as two quarters). F# omitted on the learner staff where the melody allows. Soundslice couldn’t hide the key signature; YouTube shows the intended formatting. Accompaniment stays below the learner except the intro doubling the tune for aural prep.
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Portfolio nathanrichard.art (2022 / 2024; earlier iterations used Flutter).
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Application to harmonize a melody from MIDI input to automate music arranging.
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Designed a text-based language for melody documentation based on numerical scale degrees; algorithm to parse text to play melody through piano samples; toggle diatonic harmonization.
Application that takes text and numerical notation and generates a MusicXML document.
Listen & watch
Music & video
Expand a track to play it here. Just noodlin’ on SoundCloud is a home for improvised video game music: live loops, one-take streams, and quick orchestral sketches. Each track is one take from start to finish.SoundCloud (@just-noodlin).
Songs & scored video
Just noodlin’: improv video game music
Chamber & choral
Arrangements
Selected performance
Path
Where I've created and contributed
- Slinging code
- Single-handedly architected, built, and released an entire full-scale, full stack app using Flutter and Firebase.
- Led UI/UX design of all features, entrusted with decision-making responsibilities to drive business outcomes.
- Integrated Firebase Authentication for secure user login.
- Utilized Firestore for efficient content storage and retrieval.
- Created responsive UI components and animations with Flutter.
- Enabled analytics and crash reporting via Firebase Analytics and Crashlytics.
- Built scalable backend functions using Firebase Functions.
- Managed media uploads and downloads with Firebase Storage.
- Ensured app performance and reliability through testing and debugging.
- Architected, built, and released client-side mobile apps within an ambitious timeline.
- Led client-side app architecture and implementation during spin off from Newman Ministry.
- Integrated Sendbird for in-app chat, push notifications.
- Implemented Google Analytics/Crashlytics
- Trained web development colleagues to maintain the app and continue feature development in Flutter.
- Participated in agile 2-week sprints, contributing to all ceremonies and performing time and complexity estimation for accurate sprint planning.
- Developed state management solutions, logging infrastructure, custom UI components, and multiple app flavors.
- Implemented CI/CD pipelines with Fastlane and GitHub Actions for deployment to AppCenter, TestFlight, and Google Play Beta.
- Implemented universal link functionality for deep links
- Created advanced features including API integration, embedded Google Maps, global form validators, and user registration flows.
- Implemented client-side Keycloak OAuth for secure login and secure storage solutions.
- Established HTTP and correlation ID services for API calls.
- Persuaded leadership to rebuild the entire existing app in Flutter, resulting in a 50% reduction in development costs.
- Maintained legacy native Android and iOS apps while building the new Flutter app.
- Embedded Flutter module for a news feature into native iOS and Android app
- Participated in agile 2-week sprints, contributing to all ceremonies and performing time and complexity estimation for accurate sprint planning.
- Promoted three times in two years
- 2021 Q4 Company Technical Award
- Offered position of tech lead
- Presented to company on building full-scale Flutter apps
- Built a cross-platform app accelerator for the company in Flutter
- Built 70% of entire client-side Telehealth mobile/web app in Flutter
- Touched every tech layer of a gigantic mental healthcare application: Netsmart, SQL, SOAP, Azure API Management, HL7 FHIR standard, Liquid templates, Azure Functions, Azure Blob Storage, Azure B2C, Flutter, iOS, Android, JavaScript, Terraform, Azure DevOps, CI/CD pipelines
- Trained new colleagues on tech stack architecture and client-side apps
- Worked in agile 2-week sprint cycles
Frontend Development
- Developed unit and widget tests for Flutter applications to ensure code reliability and performance.
- Implemented Azure B2C and Azure Authentication.
- Designed and created iOS and Android splash screens, Material cards, profile pages, and consistent color schemes.
- Created automation scripts for translation management and utilized Google’s intl package.
- Enhanced UI components with reusable buttons and text fields.
- Built the entire app registration flow.
- Led the implementation of Azure Communication Services for mobile and web to support multi-user video chat.
- Built comprehensive appointment features, including viewing appointment details, joining video chats and managing appointments such as viewing and deleting appointments.
- Built the allergies page and care team page, interfacing with custom endpoints to provide detailed views and management options for user health information.
- Implemented offline mode for client-side apps.
- Integrated embedded DocuSign for form signing, including creating and managing DocuSign endpoints and handling signed document data.
- Developed support for multiple MRN caching and caregiver account switching, enhancing user experience for caregivers.
- Refactored the entire app for responsive design to support Flutter web, migrated app navigation to Navigator 2.0
- Refactored the entire app to support Flutter 2.0, null safety.
- Centralized custom theming architecture at runtime, implemented light/dark mode support, and updated app branding.
- Developed an App Error Help feature, including a client-side UI and a server-side function to send internal error emails.
- Developed client-side logic for handling appointment notifications, including sending and managing notification data.
- Developed scripts to automate localization file generation, ensuring translation consistency and efficiency including generating and managing ARB files.
- Regular feature presenter for board members and C-level employees
Backend Development
- Implemented Azure B2C authentication, including custom theming and custom policy XML configurations to tailor authentication flows and user experiences
- Created and deployed function apps for sending internal emails, querying user profiles, and handling registration codes.
- Managed API Management (APIM) layers, including creating endpoints, versioning APIs, and integrating with backend services for handling appointment data, including adding, updating, and canceling appointments.
- Created interfaces with Netsmart SOAP endpoints to Azure API Management (APIM) to ensure HL7 FHIR standards for healthcare data interoperability.
- Worked on database integration and management for storing appointment and user data, including using CosmosDB.
- Developed backend services for sending registration and verification emails, including integration with SendGrid.
- Implemented error handling and logging mechanisms for backend services, ensuring reliable and maintainable code.
- Implemented and refactored Terraform scripts for Azure resource management.
- Automated deployment and management of backend services using CI/CD pipelines and Terraform.
- Built custom private packages, hosted in Azure DevOps Artifacts, to be pulled into the CI/CD pipelines for client-side and caregiver-side apps.
- Built a native iOS billing feature using VIPER pattern
- Led the development of viewing gym list / details on native iOS and Android
- Built UI animations for gym check-in rewards system
- Worked in agile 2-week sprint cycles
- Increased choir and orchestra enrollment by 100% within two years
- Arranged and composed the majority of choral and orchestral repertoire to fit the needs of the ensembles (100+ arrangements)
- Led an extracurricular commercial contemporary a cappella group “Nothing But Treble”, arranging music for the group
- Taught guitar class and piano class, arranging/notating appropriately skilled repertoire
- Directed an original composition with the combined choirs within the school district
- Created practice tracks for performance repertoire
- Organized concert collaborations with orchestra, concert band and jazz band arranging all music
- Collaborated with a Nashville, TN folk trio on a combined choir concert
- Used digital technology in innovative ways to assist in classroom instruction
- Received “superior” and “superior with distinction” every year at festivals in AZ and CA
- Organized choir trips to NYC, Anaheim, CA, and Flagstaff, AZ
- Oversaw parent booster club
- Selected to be district choir curriculum standardizer
- Managed departmental budgets, allocating funds for events, equipment, and resources.
Commissioned by ensembles of all skill levels around the USA and China.
Ableton, Logic Pro, Pro Tools, Garageband, Absynth, Melodyne, Finale (rip), Sibelius, Flat.io, Musescore, Max MSP.
- Designed and implemented customized music curricula for diverse age groups and skill levels.
- Instructed students in piano, voice, songwriting, composition, and guitar with a focus on both technique and creativity.
- Developed engaging lesson plans incorporating music theory, sight-reading, and performance.
- Composed and arranged music pieces tailored to individual student needs.
- Utilized evidence-based teaching methods to enhance learning outcomes.
- Produced high-quality audio recordings for student performances and compositions.
- Adapted teaching techniques to diverse learning styles and abilities.
- Conducted recitals and performances, providing performance opportunities for students.
- Collaborated with parents and guardians to set goals and track progress.
- Integrated innovative practices and stayed updated with music education trends.
- Accompanied choir rehearsals and recorded accompaniments for various performances.
- Provided service music and selected appropriate pieces for worship services.
- Arranged music to fit the needs of different ensembles.
- Wrote and improvised piano accompaniments to enhance choir and congregation participation.
- Pianist, arranger, composer, transcriber, Gilbert Youth Choir (2013-2019)
- Collaborative pianist, Arizona State University (2011-2014)
- Pianist, arranger, composer, transcriber, ASU Newman Center (2010-2019)
- Pianist, arranger, accompanist, Temple Emanuel of Tempe (2013-2018)
- Music director, Phoenix Theatre Intensive Summer Program (2017-2018)
- Music director, Phoenix Theatre Summer Camp (2013-2018)
- Choir & music director, arranger, KTIZO United Church of Christ (2013-2015)
- Choir accompanist, Greater Phoenix Chinese Christian Church (2013-2016)
- Contemporary music director & pianist, Orangewood Presbyterian Church (2012-2014)
- Choral/theory instructor (long-term substitute), Chandler Preparatory Academy (2012-2013)
- Assistant music director, arranger, pianist, St. Timothy Catholic Church (2012-2013)
- Music director & arranger, St. Timothy’s Schola Cantorum (2012-2013)
- Music theory & ear training teaching assistant (2010-2012)
- Junior choir director, organist & pianist, First UCC Church of Brewer (2009-2010)
- Jazz choir accompanist, Bangor High School (2009-2010)
- Head of music department, Camp Arcadia (2009, 2011)
- Substitute organist, St. James Episcopal Church (2008)
- String ensemble accompanist, Main Summer Youth Music Camp (2007)
Toolkit
Things I work with
More than a stack: this is the toolkit I use to turn ideas into real, usable creative experiences.
- Dart (primary)
- Swift
- Kotlin
- TypeScript / JavaScript
- C#
- C++
- Python
- Objective-C
- SQL
- HTML & CSS
- XML
- JSON
- Liquid (templating)
- Flutter (iOS, Android, web): production-scale apps
- Material + Cupertino adaptive UI systems
- Responsive / adaptive layouts across device classes
- Navigator 2.0 (declarative routing)
- State management (Provider, layered architecture)
- Dynamic theming, light/dark mode & runtime branding
- Localization (ARB, intl, translation workflows)
- Custom widgets & expressive UI systems
- Animations that enhance clarity and feel
- Unit, widget & integration testing
- Platform views & embedding Flutter in native apps
- Offline-first patterns & resilient clients
- HTTP clients, correlation IDs & structured logging
- Environment configs, flavors & build pipelines
- Performance profiling & crash analytics
- UIKit & SwiftUI
- App Store Connect & TestFlight workflows
- HealthKit integrations
- ARKit experimentation
- AudioKit (audio-focused apps)
- Universal links & deep linking
- Keychain & secure storage patterns
- VIPER (legacy system support)
- Kotlin & Android Studio workflows
- Google Play Console & staged rollouts
- Gradle & build variants
- Material components on Android
- Modern Android APIs (as needed per project)
- React
- Flutter web targets
- Tone.js (browser-based audio systems)
- OpenSheetMusicDisplay (notation rendering)
- REST & JSON API consumption
- Accessibility-minded UX & markup
- Firestore (real-time data modeling)
- Cloud Storage
- Cloud Functions
- Authentication flows
- Analytics & behavioral insights
- Crashlytics
- App Check
- Hosting & preview channels
- Extensions
- Firebase Cloud Messaging (push systems)
- Google Maps SDK & location-driven UX
- Azure API Management (APIM)
- Azure Functions
- Azure Blob Storage
- Azure B2C & custom auth policies
- Azure Key Vault
- Azure Cosmos DB
- Azure Communication Services (video / voice)
- Azure DevOps (repos, pipelines, artifacts)
- HL7 FHIR modeling & real-world client implementations
- SOAP integrations (e.g. Netsmart)
- REST API design, versioning & gateway patterns
- Liquid transforms & template-driven payloads
- Multi-tenant / caregiver account systems
- MRN caching & identity switching (care contexts)
- Git & GitHub workflows
- GitHub Actions
- Fastlane (iOS & Android automation)
- Terraform (Azure infrastructure)
- CI/CD across mobile, web & backend
- Microsoft App Center distribution
- TestFlight & Google Play beta pipelines
- Test-driven habits & regression safety
- End-to-end error pipelines (client → backend → alerts)
- Internal package feeds (Azure Artifacts)
- DocuSign (embedded workflows)
- Sendbird (chat systems)
- SendGrid (transactional email)
- Keycloak OAuth (mobile auth)
- Max MSP (interactive audio prototyping)
- Firebase console & GCP workflows
- Ableton Live
- Logic Pro
- Pro Tools
- GarageBand
- Melodyne
- Absynth
- Sibelius
- MuseScore
- Flat.io
- Finale (RIP)
- Engraving, arranging & conductor scores
- Mixing for education, demos & release-ready content
I approach software the same way I approach music: make it clear, make it expressive, and make it work as a whole. I tend to own problems end-to-end, from architecture to shipped product, while staying closely aligned with design, product, and stakeholders. I like breaking big ideas into small, shippable pieces, moving quickly without sacrificing clarity or maintainability. My background in music education and ensemble direction shows up in how I work with teams: helping people align, communicate clearly, and build something that feels cohesive instead of stitched together.
Learning
Education & foundations
GPA 3.96. Teaching assistant; selected for Arizona String Project; commissioned composer; accompanist; audio engineer.
Piano concentration, vocal track. GPA 3.78 summa cum laude. Dean’s List, Presidential Achievement Award, Phi Beta Kappa, Scholar Athlete, Division 1 swimming school record holder, music director, assistant conductor, composer in residence, accompanist.
- Neudesic Technical Award Q4, Dec 2021
- AZ-900 Microsoft Azure Fundamentals, Jan 2020
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