Music Lessons in Rochester, NY: Drums, Piano and Theory

Now accepting new students for the 2026-2027 school year

Ryan Barski is a professional drummer, pianist, and educator based in Rochester, NY.

He holds bachelor's and master's degrees from the Eastman School of Music (BM '22, MM '24), where he studied with renowned jazz drummer Rich Thompson, and he has taught privately since 2017. Lessons happen at his private studio or in your home, anywhere in Monroe County. Parents are always welcome to sit in.

Book a free consultation or call/text 585-739-3124

If the first lesson isn't a fit, you don't pay for it.

Lessons pause October 14 to 28 while Ryan performs in Taiwan with Leon Hsu. Lessons resume October 29. Free phone consultations stay open October 16 to 25, evenings Eastern time.

5.0 on Google · 5 reviewsEastman BM '22 · MM '24
Ryan Barski seated on a staircase in a navy suit, smiling, with his hands resting on a ride cymbal
  • Eastman School of Music, BM 2022 and MM 2024
  • Teaching privately since 2017

Lessons offered

  • Drums

    Drum Set & Snare Drum Lessons

    All ages and all levels, from a child's first pair of sticks to advanced jazz drumming.

    No experience needed, ages 4 and up. Grip and stroke, counting and reading rhythms, first grooves and fills. No kit at home needed to start.

    Ryan focuses on drum set and snare. For mallet percussion (marimba, xylophone, vibes) he'll happily refer you. Drum lessons in Rochester, NY.

  • Piano

    Piano Lessons

    Beginner through intermediate piano for kids and adults, with a patient, fundamentals-first approach.

    Reading both clefs, hand position and technique, rhythm, and real pieces within weeks.

    Advanced classical students: Ryan will refer you to a specialist. Piano lessons in Rochester, NY.

  • Theory

    Music Theory Lessons

    Music theory for grades K-12, built around what your school musician actually needs.

    Notation, intervals, scales and keys, rhythm, basic ear training, so you can read what your band director hands you.

A specialty of Ryan's

NYSSMA & Solo Festival Prep for Drum Set and Snare

Ryan prepares drum set and snare students for NYSSMA solo festival, All-County, Area All-State and All-State auditions, and he went through every step of that ladder himself. See how NYSSMA prep works.

Ryan Barski coaching a drum student during a masterclass in Taiwan

In the studio and on stage

Students at work

  • A drum student playing a red Yamaha drum kit during a lesson
  • Ryan Barski with three of his student musicians at a live music venue
  • A drum student playing a kit on stage during a performance
  • Ryan Barski with a drum student at the Rochester International Jazz Festival

First consultation is always free

Lessons & pricing

One rate for Ryan's time, whatever the instrument: $100 an hour. The more you commit, the less each lesson costs, and the more you get from him between lessons.

  • Single Lesson

    $50

    per lesson

    For trying a lesson, one-off audition prep, or keeping it casual.

    • Drums, piano or music theory
    • In-studio, online, or in your home (+$15)
    • Ryan will email you within one business day to schedule
    • 24-hour cancellation
    • If the first lesson isn't a fit, you don't pay for it.
    Book a single lesson

  • Flex Pack · 8 lessons

    $46

    per lesson, $368 total

    For adults, gigging musicians and families with shifting schedules.

    • Drums, piano or music theory
    • In-studio, online, or in your home (+$15)
    • Ryan will email you within one business day to book your first lesson
    • Schedule one at a time, use within four months
    • Reply to questions within one week
    • With 24 hours' notice a lesson is never lost
    • Need more time? One two-month extension, no questions.
    • If the first lesson isn't a fit, you don't pay for it.
    Buy a Flex Pack
  • Most popular

    Monthly

    $45

    per lesson, $180 billed monthly

    For most families.

    • Standing weekly slot, yours as long as you're enrolled
    • One make-up a month with 24 hours' notice
    • Reply to video or text questions within 2 days
    • Two-line practice note each month
    • Written progress note each semester
    • Two studio recitals a year
    • Cancel any time with 30 days' notice
    • If the first lesson isn't a fit, you don't pay for it.
    Start monthly lessons
  • Best value

    Full Year

    $42.50

    per lesson, $153 a month, ten payments

    For students on the NYSSMA, audition or recital track.

    • 36 lessons, September through June
    • First pick of lesson times each semester
    • Reply to video or text questions within 24 hours
    • Audition-ready commitment
    • Mock audition with score sheet each semester
    • One free recital-prep session each semester
    • Two make-ups per semester
    • Written progress note each semester
    • 10% off a sibling's package
    • If the first lesson isn't a fit, you don't pay for it.
    Reserve a year

Audition Intensive, for NYSSMA, All-County/All-State and college jazz auditions

Ryan knows this process because he went through it himself at Eastman.

  • Ryan comes to your school concert or festival performance when you tell him in advance. In-home lessons add $15 per lesson within Monroe County. Online lessons are the same price as in-studio.
  • Every kid who wants to learn should be able to. If the rate is a stretch for your family, say so at the consultation and together you'll find something that works.
  • Gift certificates available from $50.

On Google

What families are saying

5.0 on Google

  • Ryan is incredibly gifted and such a patient and encouraging teacher for my kids! Can't recommend him enough. He works so well with all...
    Read the full review Ryan is incredibly gifted and such a patient and encouraging teacher for my kids! Can't recommend him enough. He works so well with all the different ages and personalities of my kids.
    Jake FabryPosted on Google
  • Ryan is a truly gifted teacher who can work with all ages. He is kind, considerate, trustworthy and inspiring as well as an incredible...
    Read the full review Ryan is a truly gifted teacher who can work with all ages. He is kind, considerate, trustworthy and inspiring as well as an incredible musician. He has had an impressive musical education which he shares with all of his students. I've had personal experience with him teaching my granddaughter who is 5 and working with my adult daughter. He is a teacher for all ages and a joy to be with!
    Cheryl KelleyPosted on Google
  • I decided later in life that I was finally going to learn how to play the drums—something I'd wanted to do since I was...
    Read the full review I decided later in life that I was finally going to learn how to play the drums—something I'd wanted to do since I was young, but was once told, "Girls don't play the drums."

    I couldn't have found a better teacher than Ryan. He took the time to understand what I wanted to get out of my lessons and tailors his teaching style to me. He gives me the fundamentals and theory I need without pounding it over my head or making lessons feel like homework. Instead, we actually play. I leave every lesson feeling like I learned something, accomplished something, and had a blast doing it. And, as an added bonus, he graciously puts up with my sailor mouth when I screw up.

    Ryan is patient, encouraging, incredibly knowledgeable, and has a genuine ability to meet you where you are. There's never any pressure or intimidation—just the right balance of teaching, challenging me, and reminding me that this is supposed to be fun.

    If you've ever thought, "I've always wanted to learn drums, but maybe I'm too old to start," DO IT. And take lessons from Ryan, because having the right teacher makes all the difference.

    Turns out girls DO play the drums. Some of us just took a little longer to get behind the kit.

    Highly, highly recommend!
    Kristen QuinnPosted on Google
  • Ryan is an exceptionally talented drummer who loves to pass on his knowledge and skill through teaching. He is tirelessly positive and encouraging. He...
    Read the full review Ryan is an exceptionally talented drummer who loves to pass on his knowledge and skill through teaching. He is tirelessly positive and encouraging. He has a wealth of knowledge about the instrument and how to develop foundational skills in playing it--no matter the specific skill you want to work on, Ryan has more exercises to drill it than you could ever need. He excels in helping you find what it is about drumming and music that you love and using that to drive your practice.
    Karl DaningburgPosted on Google
  • He knows his stuff... AND is a great teacher! Not usually the case with most instructors/teachers... So I highly recommend Mr. Barski!
    Dylan GratchPosted on Google

Read all our reviews on Google Leave us a review

About your teacher

Lessons are shaped by your goals, your instrument, and the music you actually want to play, and Ryan cares as much about sound, touch and musical honesty as about technique, because feel is what makes playing sound like you. He earned his master's at Eastman, where he was a teaching assistant and taught the undergraduate introduction to jazz drumming course, and he still records and tours with his band Side Step.

  • Eastman BM '22 · MM '24
  • Worked with Maria Schneider, Christian McBride & Dafnis Prieto
  • Rochester Int'l Jazz Festival every year since 2013
Ryan Barski with one of his drum students

Common questions

Where and when do lessons happen?

Weekly lessons run 30, 45, or 60 minutes depending on the student's age and goals. In-studio lessons are on the east side of Rochester, about fifteen minutes from downtown. Ryan will send the address when you schedule your consultation. He also teaches in your home anywhere in Monroe County, and online. In-home lessons cover every Monroe County public school district: Brighton, Brockport, Churchville-Chili, East Irondequoit, East Rochester, Fairport, Gates Chili, Greece, Hilton, Honeoye Falls-Lima, Penfield, Pittsford, Rochester City, Rush-Henrietta, Spencerport, Webster, West Irondequoit and Wheatland-Chili. Students in school ensembles get lesson plans that support what their band or orchestra director is working on.

What do I need to get started?

For drums, a practice pad and a pair of sticks is enough to start. For piano, a basic keyboard is fine. You do not need a kit or an acoustic piano at home, and Ryan will help you choose the right first instrument when the time comes.

What ages do you teach?

Ryan teaches drummers from age 4 and pianists from age 5, and adults of any age, up to 70 so far. It is never too early or too late to start.

Can you help my child prepare for NYSSMA or solo festival?

Yes, for drum set and snare students. NYSSMA and solo festival prep is one of Ryan's specialties, including solo repertoire, rudiments, and sight-reading, and he went through All-County, Area All-State, and All-State himself. This applies to both school students and homeschooled students.

How much do lessons cost?

Lessons are $100 an hour at the single-lesson rate: $50 for 30 minutes, $75 for 45, $100 for 60. Monthly students pay 10% less and Full Year students 15% less per lesson. The first consultation is free.

Is pricing the same for drums, piano, and theory lessons?

Yes. Drums, piano and music theory lessons cost the same: $100 an hour at the single-lesson rate, so 30 minutes is $50, 45 minutes is $75 and 60 minutes is $100. The same four packages apply to every instrument: Single Lesson, Flex Pack (8 lessons, 8% off), Monthly (10% off) and Full Year (15% off).

Do I have to commit to a year?

No. Most families choose Monthly, which is a standing weekly slot you can end with 30 days' notice. The Full Year is for students who know they're in it for the school year and want the extra support and lower rate.

What happens if we miss a lesson?

With 24 hours' notice, Monthly students get one make-up a month and Full Year students get two per semester. Flex Pack lessons are scheduled one at a time, so there's nothing to miss. Same-day cancellations are forfeited.

Is there a discount for siblings?

Yes. Full Year families get 10% off a second student's package.

Do you sell gift certificates?

Yes, from $50, redeemable for any lesson or package, and they never expire.

What if it doesn't work out?

If the first lesson isn't a fit, you don't pay for it. Full Year students on the audition track also get Ryan's audition-ready commitment: follow the plan, and if you're not ready by audition month, up to two extra prep lessons are on him.

Ryan teaches in-home lessons anywhere in Monroe County, including Rochester, Brighton, Pittsford, Penfield, Fairport, Webster, Irondequoit, Greece, Henrietta, Gates, Chili, Spencerport, Hilton and Brockport.

Ready to start

Tell Ryan a little about the student and what they're hoping to learn, and he'll get back to you within a day.

What happens at the consultation

  • Thirty minutes, free, at the studio or by phone. Your child is welcome but not required.
  • The consultation covers goals, experience and schedule, and Ryan answers every question you have.
  • No pressure to sign up on the spot. If it's a fit, we pick a start date.

Book a free consultation Call or text 585-739-3124

Free. No commitment. If the first lesson isn't a fit, you don't pay for it.