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I'm Possible: A Story of Survival, a Tuba, and the Small Miracle of a Big Dream
"Powerful . . . equal parts heartwarming and heart-wrenching. White is a gifted storyteller." ― Washington Post
From the streets of Baltimore to the halls of the New Mexico Philharmonic, a musician shares his remarkable story in I'm Possible , an inspiring memoir of perseverance and possibility.
Young Richard Antoine White and his mother don't have a key to a room or a house. Sometimes they have shelter, but they never have a place to call home. Still, they have each other, and Richard believes he can look after his mother, even as she struggles with alcoholism and sometimes disappears, sending Richard into loops of visiting familiar spots until he finds her again. And he always does―until one night, when he almost dies searching for her in the snow and is taken in by his adoptive grandparents.
Living with his grandparents is an adjustment with rules and routines, but when Richard joins band for something to do, he unexpectedly discovers a talent and a sense of purpose. Taking up the tuba feels like something he can do that belongs to him, and playing music is like a light going on in the dark. Soon Richard gains acceptance to the prestigious Baltimore School for the Arts, and he continues thriving in his musical studies at the Peabody Conservatory and beyond, even as he navigates racial and socioeconomic disparities as one of few Black students in his programs.
With fierce determination, Richard pushes forward on his remarkable path, eventually securing a coveted spot in a symphony orchestra and becoming the first African American to earn a doctorate in music for tuba performance. A professor, mentor, and motivational speaker, Richard now shares his extraordinary story―of dreaming big, impossible dreams and making them come true.
From the streets of Baltimore to the halls of the New Mexico Philharmonic, a musician shares his remarkable story in I'm Possible , an inspiring memoir of perseverance and possibility.
Young Richard Antoine White and his mother don't have a key to a room or a house. Sometimes they have shelter, but they never have a place to call home. Still, they have each other, and Richard believes he can look after his mother, even as she struggles with alcoholism and sometimes disappears, sending Richard into loops of visiting familiar spots until he finds her again. And he always does―until one night, when he almost dies searching for her in the snow and is taken in by his adoptive grandparents.
Living with his grandparents is an adjustment with rules and routines, but when Richard joins band for something to do, he unexpectedly discovers a talent and a sense of purpose. Taking up the tuba feels like something he can do that belongs to him, and playing music is like a light going on in the dark. Soon Richard gains acceptance to the prestigious Baltimore School for the Arts, and he continues thriving in his musical studies at the Peabody Conservatory and beyond, even as he navigates racial and socioeconomic disparities as one of few Black students in his programs.
With fierce determination, Richard pushes forward on his remarkable path, eventually securing a coveted spot in a symphony orchestra and becoming the first African American to earn a doctorate in music for tuba performance. A professor, mentor, and motivational speaker, Richard now shares his extraordinary story―of dreaming big, impossible dreams and making them come true.
256 pages, Hardcover
Published October 5, 2021
36 people are currently reading
1843 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 114 reviews
November 2, 2022
I'm Possible is an inspiring memoir recounting the author's struggles in youth through the time when he becomes a top-level classical tubist. Music is such a meaningful force for humanity, and that comes through in White's book. His perseverance and dedication to the craft and his fellow musicians is amazing. I enjoyed learning about White's life experiences, especially as it pertains to his many mentors.
October 19, 2021
If possible, get the audiobook. It has the author reading it, tuba between chapters, and his brother does a rap at the end. A great book, with great presentation!
June 17, 2021
I picked this one up because it was about a man who plays tuba. What I got was an exceptional story of a man overcoming just about any obstacle you can think of, while paving the way for others to become the rule rather than the exception. Such an amazing life.
August 13, 2021
Dr. White chronicles the hardships he faced and overcame to make his dream a reality, but what stood out to me was the dream itself. Richard’s goal of playing tuba in a top symphony orchestra never leaves him, but as his life unfolds, the once narrowly defined dream morphs into a beautiful, meaningful, and impactful life that far exceeds the goal of a small boy in Baltimore. A great reminder to look for any and all possibilities that come along and that a life spent caring for the people you come in contact with is a life filled with success. I couldn’t put this book down. Highly recommend.
December 8, 2021
I really enjoyed this story, but I didn't like the style or just the quality of the writing. Hard to tell anymore if poor quality writing is just personal style. Anyway, there's a documentary out about this guy, so maybe that would be a better format to learn his story.
November 15, 2021
I’ve never met a tuba player I didn’t like. This inspirational memoir takes it above and beyond. A truly amazing life and a great read.
February 13, 2022
This memoir is very uplifting. Richard Antoine White grew up homeless; now, he plays the tuba for the New Mexico Philharmonic. The journey he outlines is as incredible as the goals he had in a life filled with heartbreaking and breathtaking moments.
This was an extraordinary journey to follow. The author was born homeless in an abandoned building and grew up without a home. His mother's alcoholism made their lives difficult. Luckily, after almost freezing to death in a snowstorm, he was taken in by adoptive grandparents. Music gave him a beautiful connection to a world beyond the streets. His interest and talent playing the tuba won him a place in the Baltimore School for the Performing Arts. And from there, his resilience, determination, and persistence got him a coveted position in the New Mexico Symphony. When it folded, he and his friends founded the New Mexico Philharmonic. He was also the first African American to earn his doctorate in music for tuba. I was in awe of his journey, which was the definition of "inspiring."
To listen to my interview with the author, go to my podcast at: https://zibbyowens.com/transcript/ric...
This was an extraordinary journey to follow. The author was born homeless in an abandoned building and grew up without a home. His mother's alcoholism made their lives difficult. Luckily, after almost freezing to death in a snowstorm, he was taken in by adoptive grandparents. Music gave him a beautiful connection to a world beyond the streets. His interest and talent playing the tuba won him a place in the Baltimore School for the Performing Arts. And from there, his resilience, determination, and persistence got him a coveted position in the New Mexico Symphony. When it folded, he and his friends founded the New Mexico Philharmonic. He was also the first African American to earn his doctorate in music for tuba. I was in awe of his journey, which was the definition of "inspiring."
To listen to my interview with the author, go to my podcast at: https://zibbyowens.com/transcript/ric...
October 4, 2021
Richard grew up on the streets of Baltimore, and for his first five years, I mean that literally. He was with his mother who was homeless, struggling with a drug use disorder. One day he woke up and she wasn’t there, which happened a lot. He was out looking for her when it started snowing, a lot. Hours later family friends found him curled up on their front porch, buried in snow, half-dead. They took him to his grandparents and eventually he was adopted by family friends. He obviously had a rough start and he continued to struggle somewhat although once he and his best friend started playing trumpet, school got a lot better. He switched to tuba, and after a couple of years, he applied for and got into the Baltimore Arts high school. There he learned how to truly excel at his instrument, alongside impressive kids who inspired him, including Jada Pinkett and Tupac Shakur (who taught him about Malcolm X and the Black Panthers). As high school finished up, with help from various teachers, he went to college for tuba, then later a Master’s program, until he became the first African-American to get a Ph.D. in tuba! It took a long time as the job application is complicated (and expensive!) but he got a job at the New Mexico Symphony, which went under in 2009 in the fallout from the Great Recession. He and colleagues banded together to found the New Mexico Philharmonic, where he is today.
I promise you don’t have to know the first thing about the tuba to enjoy this book of amazing persistence and hard work. Richard doesn’t cruise by on raw talent or anything like that. He definitely has a lot of struggles along the way, but he never, ever gives up.
I promise you don’t have to know the first thing about the tuba to enjoy this book of amazing persistence and hard work. Richard doesn’t cruise by on raw talent or anything like that. He definitely has a lot of struggles along the way, but he never, ever gives up.
March 5, 2022
Highly recommend the audio version of this book. It is read aloud by the author and includes tuba music in between each chapter. I heard the author interviewed on a podcast and am so glad I did or else I probably never would have discovered this book. The story is filled with grit, resilience and perseverance for someone who had
To work for everything they have.
To work for everything they have.
April 30, 2023
Dr. Richard Antoine White is a true inspiration and embodies the essence of possibility. This real life story shows each and every one of us that while it’s important to never forget where you came from, it does not determine your future or prevent anyone from achieving their dreams.
From living on the streets of Baltimore to now being the first African American to earn a Doctorate of Music in Tuba Performance, Dr. White still shows gratitude and humility while writing about his life, explaining that he was not born special but it was in fact the people surrounding him in his life that ultimately saved him from falling through the cracks and it was those people that held a belief that he was capable of profound greatness. To quote a saying from his Grandma Vivian (Mom): “You can do when you want to do.”
Dr. White writes passionately like these memories happened yesterday. He makes the reader feel like they are watching it all unfold along with him. I was immersed while reading this book and enjoyed it very much. It gave me a new outlook and appreciation for the things in my own life, personally and professionally. Musician or not, this is a must read and I cannot recommend it enough. Definitely a highlight for me this year and I hope to meet Dr. White in the future!
“No one is born great. We may have certain advantages or disadvantages, but no matter what we have or what we lack, we must nurture our own greatness. We have to know our own dreams and do everything within our power to achieve them, and we must, above all, maintain hope.”
From living on the streets of Baltimore to now being the first African American to earn a Doctorate of Music in Tuba Performance, Dr. White still shows gratitude and humility while writing about his life, explaining that he was not born special but it was in fact the people surrounding him in his life that ultimately saved him from falling through the cracks and it was those people that held a belief that he was capable of profound greatness. To quote a saying from his Grandma Vivian (Mom): “You can do when you want to do.”
Dr. White writes passionately like these memories happened yesterday. He makes the reader feel like they are watching it all unfold along with him. I was immersed while reading this book and enjoyed it very much. It gave me a new outlook and appreciation for the things in my own life, personally and professionally. Musician or not, this is a must read and I cannot recommend it enough. Definitely a highlight for me this year and I hope to meet Dr. White in the future!
“No one is born great. We may have certain advantages or disadvantages, but no matter what we have or what we lack, we must nurture our own greatness. We have to know our own dreams and do everything within our power to achieve them, and we must, above all, maintain hope.”
October 23, 2023
I would like to give this more than five stars: read this book! (Better yet: listen to this book!!!) Everyone will appreciate this inspiring story of beating the odds, staying positive, and overcoming. But especially any and all orchestral musicians should check this out.
Listened to the author read this, and play the tuba, on my phone from the library.
Listened to the author read this, and play the tuba, on my phone from the library.
February 17, 2025
I personally know Dr White from being in the UNM marching band. Reading this helped me further understand how impactful his life was to him and how much of a difference he has made on others as well.
October 9, 2021
This is a truly inspiring true story about an amazing human being who began his life homeless and through raw determination and the love and support of others he became the man he is today, an accomplished musician, teacher, and motivational speaker. It’s a must read.
October 26, 2021
Richard Antoine White wrote a book, "I'm Possible." having read the whole book, I think the publisher should have dropped the apostrophe and called it "IMPOSSIBLE!" First some stats: When Richard was born, his father was already serving a life sentence for an unspecified crime. His mother, age 17, was an alcoholic of no known address. Finally, Richard weighed just over one pound. He survived and was discharged from the hospital but not to home. There was no home. A short time later, neighbors heard a baby crying in an abandoned building nearby. A relative shot several rats that were beginning to gnaw at Richard's still moist umbilical cord. In childhood, one of Richard's daily challenges, as the sun began to set, was to find Mama. He would then curl up beside her when that quest was successful. By the end of the book, we have a black man who has a PhD from Indiana University, a family, a house, and a job as first tuba in the New Mexico Symphony orchestra, which he later resurrected from bankruptcy. By the way, the first performance of the new symphony was Mahler's Symphony No. 2, the resurrection symphony. (If you nave never, don't miss it.)
A remarkable story, certainly, but my interest in reading it was to find out how this unlikely young man achieved some measure of success. What drove him? This might provide a clue to what drives others like him to succeed where siblings and neighbors fail. This subject has been examined before, and there are clues. Some succeed because they are brilliant. Richard was not a scholar. He had a talent (tuba), but he struggled with non-music subjects. Some have a mentor. Richard had at least two, and he listened to them. In fact, he selected them after hearing them play. He asked for advice, and he got it. Eventually, he learned to practice roughly twice as many hours per day as was his habit. And he got better. He auditioned for jobs but failed. He admitted to himself that the winner had played better than he did. But he vowed that would not happen again. So he practiced and took lessons and got better. At one point, the rest of life got better also. Grandparents were able to separate Richards basic needs from his mother's alcoholism and took him (but not her) in to live with them. He how had a bed, food, and a school. Opportunities, but that's not enough. Richard lists a pneumonic for HOPE: H-for holding on. O-opportunities. Take advantage of them. P-persistence. E-excellence. He expands on this last point other places in the book, and I think it may be the key to his success. When he failed an audition, he asked. the winner for tips on doing it better. When a teacher showed him how the music should sound, his response was, "I can't play that as well as you today, but next week I will." One of his chapter titles is "The World Deserves the Best Version of You." This compulsion for excellence drove him. Now, about those other kids . . . .
A remarkable story, certainly, but my interest in reading it was to find out how this unlikely young man achieved some measure of success. What drove him? This might provide a clue to what drives others like him to succeed where siblings and neighbors fail. This subject has been examined before, and there are clues. Some succeed because they are brilliant. Richard was not a scholar. He had a talent (tuba), but he struggled with non-music subjects. Some have a mentor. Richard had at least two, and he listened to them. In fact, he selected them after hearing them play. He asked for advice, and he got it. Eventually, he learned to practice roughly twice as many hours per day as was his habit. And he got better. He auditioned for jobs but failed. He admitted to himself that the winner had played better than he did. But he vowed that would not happen again. So he practiced and took lessons and got better. At one point, the rest of life got better also. Grandparents were able to separate Richards basic needs from his mother's alcoholism and took him (but not her) in to live with them. He how had a bed, food, and a school. Opportunities, but that's not enough. Richard lists a pneumonic for HOPE: H-for holding on. O-opportunities. Take advantage of them. P-persistence. E-excellence. He expands on this last point other places in the book, and I think it may be the key to his success. When he failed an audition, he asked. the winner for tips on doing it better. When a teacher showed him how the music should sound, his response was, "I can't play that as well as you today, but next week I will." One of his chapter titles is "The World Deserves the Best Version of You." This compulsion for excellence drove him. Now, about those other kids . . . .
March 15, 2022
Richard Antoine White’s first memories are of being homeless. He and his mother lived on the streets of Baltimore, seeking shelter under the trees in parks, falling asleep on benches, or hiding out in abandoned buildings. Richard worshiped his mother and didn’t think much of the fact that he often awoke alone in the mornings and needed to find her. He would knock on the doors of his uncles and aunts, his grandmother, and neighbors. If he didn’t find his mother, he’d look for coins on the ground and buy as many fried chicken gizzards as lost money would fund. As you might imagine, on more than one occasion White was in danger for his life though he was too young to realize it.
To imagine that someday this young boy would don a tuxedo, cross the stage, and play in an orchestra for a living seems just about unimaginable. But that is exactly where White ends up. The story of how he gets there is inspiring and uplifting, marked with struggle, marked with victories. His upward trajectory begins when his mother makes the painful decision to give White over to a couple who love him and raise him as their own child. Moving forward, so many people in White’s life work with him and accept nothing from him but his best. But White is not simply a product of others stepping in. White himself is that rare person with enough tenacity, spirit, and drive to actualize the potential he has. He seems to understand that he is not defined by how the world treats him or what the world throws at him. His worth is inside of him and he carries it securely. When he hits a bump, he negotiates it without self-pity and finds his way to the other side. And then he pays his progress forward, lending a hand to another person whose potential he sees to help that person become what they can be.
White tells his story plainly, without drama. His memoir is nicely organized and easy to read. As the mother of two musicians, I was drawn to this story because it centers around classical music, and White’s musical experiences resonate. Many of the places he’s been and auditioned, my daughters have been and auditioned. I could visualize (and hear) his story. But the appeal of this book is so much broader than music. There’s something about his generosity and willingness to take risks that is worth sharing. Everyone should read this book.
I’ll leave you with these words from White: “I believe in the cumulative effect. I don’t want to let the universe down and I don’t want to deprive the world of the best version of me. That attitude is contagious. I believe each of us must become our own superheroes. I am made up of what I have control over: my thoughts, the images I visualize, and the actions I take. Imagination is not bullshit; it is our superpower. It is how we create change. No matter how hard the journey is, no matter how tiring it is, I won’t stop. There is something beyond the point of exhaustion: a new beginning.”
To imagine that someday this young boy would don a tuxedo, cross the stage, and play in an orchestra for a living seems just about unimaginable. But that is exactly where White ends up. The story of how he gets there is inspiring and uplifting, marked with struggle, marked with victories. His upward trajectory begins when his mother makes the painful decision to give White over to a couple who love him and raise him as their own child. Moving forward, so many people in White’s life work with him and accept nothing from him but his best. But White is not simply a product of others stepping in. White himself is that rare person with enough tenacity, spirit, and drive to actualize the potential he has. He seems to understand that he is not defined by how the world treats him or what the world throws at him. His worth is inside of him and he carries it securely. When he hits a bump, he negotiates it without self-pity and finds his way to the other side. And then he pays his progress forward, lending a hand to another person whose potential he sees to help that person become what they can be.
White tells his story plainly, without drama. His memoir is nicely organized and easy to read. As the mother of two musicians, I was drawn to this story because it centers around classical music, and White’s musical experiences resonate. Many of the places he’s been and auditioned, my daughters have been and auditioned. I could visualize (and hear) his story. But the appeal of this book is so much broader than music. There’s something about his generosity and willingness to take risks that is worth sharing. Everyone should read this book.
I’ll leave you with these words from White: “I believe in the cumulative effect. I don’t want to let the universe down and I don’t want to deprive the world of the best version of me. That attitude is contagious. I believe each of us must become our own superheroes. I am made up of what I have control over: my thoughts, the images I visualize, and the actions I take. Imagination is not bullshit; it is our superpower. It is how we create change. No matter how hard the journey is, no matter how tiring it is, I won’t stop. There is something beyond the point of exhaustion: a new beginning.”
April 21, 2025
This book was absolutely wonderful, and I'd highly recommend the audiobook as it's read by the author and includes tuba music between each chapter, as well as a rap by the author's brother at the end of the book.
Richard Antoine White's life started off in very difficult circumstances, with his mother struggling with addiction and being homeless. He was eventually taken in by his adoptive grandparents, and in grade 4 started playing trumpet in the school band. That's where things really took off for him, as he developed a love for music and eventually moved on to the sousaphone and then the tuba.
Reading about Richard's educational journey, to becoming the principal tubist in the New Mexico Philharmonic and a tuba teacher at the university was truly awe-inspiring. And as someone who grew up playing brass instruments myself, I loved his discussion about his love for music developing.
Richard Antoine White's life started off in very difficult circumstances, with his mother struggling with addiction and being homeless. He was eventually taken in by his adoptive grandparents, and in grade 4 started playing trumpet in the school band. That's where things really took off for him, as he developed a love for music and eventually moved on to the sousaphone and then the tuba.
Reading about Richard's educational journey, to becoming the principal tubist in the New Mexico Philharmonic and a tuba teacher at the university was truly awe-inspiring. And as someone who grew up playing brass instruments myself, I loved his discussion about his love for music developing.
December 11, 2021
I saw Dr. White on The Daily Show and decided to get this book for one of my nephews for Christmas who is an aspiring performer. I started reading it and just had to keep going. While the prose can get a little slow or clunky in parts, there's no denying that Dr. White has lived an amazing, heartbreaking, inspiring life. A story of a tuba player against all odds, except it's not really about a tuba player, and even Dr. White points out that it's not so much about his success but rather the people who made that success possible. I think anyone who wants to reach for the impossible can find something here, as it will certainly make you believe you can accomplish it.
January 22, 2022
A truly inspiring memoir. From living on the streets of Baltimore with an alcoholic mother to becoming the first African-American to earn a PhD in tuba, to teaching at UNM and playing in the NM Philharmonic. A testament to the support the author received from others, and to his own grit and determination. Themes of perseverance, determination, family. The author not only narrates the audiobook, but plays the tuba between chapters. A real delight!
October 28, 2021
I heard this author on an NPR podcast talking about his book. I was impressed and intrigued. So naturally I had to read it. Easy read. Very understandable and description of the author’s struggles. In my past couple of reads I have learned much about the black culture that I was not even remotely aware.
November 19, 2021
Richard White’s childhood was difficult. Homeless as a young boy, abandoned by his mother and at risk for a life of trouble. But, Richard discovered music and the tuba. His struggle to become one of a very few masters of the instrument is most of this story. It’s a good one. Nicely written, filled with emotional moments and a unique perspective.
October 26, 2021
This story is powerful, moving, and deep. White's memoir deftly discusses his upbringing through many lenses, and doesn't need many pages to demonstrate how inspiring he is as both a man and musician. I'm proud to live in the city that White now calls home. The audiobook, read by the author, is punctuated by short tuba pieces, and I highly recommend it.
December 10, 2021
I heard the author interviewed on “Fresh Air” and was blown away by his life history, accomplishments, and eloquence, so I immediately got my hands on his memoir – but interestingly, the story is better than the book. His tale is so remarkable, and the emotions he displayed in his interview were so affecting, but somehow that doesn't quite come across in the writing. What does come across is his incredible drive, passion, and the odds stacked against his success; and his descriptions of how music affects him are quite wonderful. So, definitely worth reading, and now I'm going to find the documentary about him, portions of which were featured in the radio interview. What an amazing person.
August 26, 2022
Excellent storytelling and revelations about tubas, race, and classical music.
October 25, 2021
3.5 rounded up to 4. This man has an amazing story and seems to have really found his place in the world. I found the chapters on his earlier childhood a little clunkier to read (still enjoyable but I thought it was obvious he is not a writer by profession), but once he was in high school at the BSA the writing clicked for me.
May 13, 2022
Very good account of a Tuba player who is African American and was determined to pursue a career in playing a tuba in an orchestra and gets a education based on that desire. Problem is that getting a job as a tuba player is more difficult than joining the NBA.
June 5, 2024
Richard Antoine White is an amazing storyteller that lights the fires of inspiration and creativity that no one else has been able to achieve
November 12, 2021
We listened to the audio version, read by Dr. White. It was the best way to experience this amazing story of a child who manages to survive a very difficult early childhood on the streets of Baltimore and goes on to become the first African-American to earn a doctorate in Tuba Performance. He is our local favorite New Mexico Philharmonic and Santa Fe Symphony tuba player. Go Richard! You are an inspiration. Very glad you're in our state.
December 28, 2022
A good tale of struggle and perseverance.
October 22, 2021
A really interesting read. Tough life, but always with a sense of joy.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 114 reviews