Drum, Piano & Music Theory Lessons in Rochester, NY
Now accepting new students for the 2026-2027 school year
I'm Ryan Barski, a professional drummer, pianist, and educator based in Rochester, NY.
I hold bachelor's and master's degrees from the Eastman School of Music (BM '22, MM '24), where I studied with renowned jazz drummer Rich Thompson, and I've been teaching privately since 2017, students of every age and level, from 4-year-old beginners to 70-year-old lifelong learners. Lessons happen at my private studio or in your home, anywhere in Monroe County. In-studio lessons are on the east side of Rochester, about fifteen minutes from downtown. Parents are always welcome to sit in.
Lessons offered
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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.
For school band students, 1 to 3 years in. The 40 rudiments, snare drum reading, coordination and independence, rock, funk, Latin and jazz basics, NYSSMA levels 1 to 4.
Jazz drumming: comping, brushes, soloing over form. Transcription, odd meters, NYSSMA 5 and 6, All-County, Area All-State, All-State, and college audition prep.
I focus on drum set and snare. For mallet percussion (marimba, xylophone, vibes) I'll happily refer you. Drum lessons in Rochester, NY.
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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.
Scales and repertoire, chords and lead sheets, playing by ear, an introduction to jazz and gospel voicings.
Advanced classical students: I'll refer you to a specialist.
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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.
Harmony and voice leading, analysis, sight-singing and dictation. Support for AP Music Theory students.
Chord-scale theory, ii-V-I vocabulary, voicings, reharmonization, built on the theory sequence I studied at Eastman. 60 minutes, or 45 for younger students, works well online.
A specialty of mine
NYSSMA & Solo Festival Prep for Drum Set and Snare
I prepare drum set and snare students for NYSSMA solo festival, All-County, Area All-State and All-State auditions, and I went through every step of that ladder myself. See how NYSSMA prep works.
What you get
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A plan from day one. Within the first month we set a goal, whether that's a first song, NYSSMA level 4, or a college jazz program, and every lesson moves toward it.
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One teacher for the whole journey. Same face every week, from a four-year-old's first practice pad to a senior's audition tape.
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Audition prep from someone who's been there. All-County, Area All-State, All-State on snare drum, then Eastman. I know what the judges listen for.
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A recital every semester. Students get something to work toward, and parents get to see the progress.
I've never had a student who put in the practice and didn't get better. That's not a slogan. It's just how this works when the teaching is right and the goals are clear.
In the studio and on stage
Students at work
In their words
What students and parents say
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Ryan taught me not only about music, but about how to listen to music with my ears and feel it with my heart. He took time out of his lunch break to teach me jazz drumming, how to develop a better sense of groove, and how to practice my technique effectively. Meeting Ryan changed the way I think about music and about myself as a musician.
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On December 31st, because of a school program, I had the opportunity to take a jazz class that I will never forget. That was also the day I met Ryan for the first time. Although the time we spent together was short, I gained so many valuable experiences from him.
Ryan taught me not only about music, but also about how to listen to music with my ears and feel it with my heart. I am especially grateful that Ryan took time out of his lunch break that day to teach me jazz drumming, how to develop a better sense of groove, and how to practice my technique effectively. I learned so much from him in such a short amount of time.
More importantly, Ryan helped me understand that music is not just about playing the right notes or having good technique. It is about listening, feeling, and truly experiencing the music.
Before Ryan and the rest of the musicians returned to the United States, I also had the opportunity to hear them perform at a jazz concert on January 4th. That night left a deep impression on me, and it became one of the most influential concerts I have ever experienced.
Meeting Ryan and hearing his music changed the way I think about music and about myself as a musician. I am incredibly grateful for the time, knowledge, and encouragement he gave me. Even though our time together was brief, the impact he made on me will stay with me for a very long time. Thank you, Ryan, for sharing your music and your heart with me.
Alexstudent, TaiwanJazz masterclass, January 2026 -
Ryan has been so much more than a drum teacher to our 16-year-old son. He encourages him to challenge himself, work hard, believe in himself, and most importantly, enjoy the journey. We have watched our son grow not only as a drummer, but also in his confidence and as a young man. He is an exceptional teacher, an amazing mentor, and an even better person.
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Ryan has been so much more than a drum teacher to our 16-year-old son. He has truly become a mentor, a positive influence, and honestly, a part of our family.
From the beginning, Ryan has had a special way of connecting with our son. He encourages him to challenge himself, work hard, believe in himself, and most importantly, enjoy the journey. We have watched our son grow not only as a drummer, but also in his confidence and as a young man.
What makes Ryan so special is that he genuinely cares about his students beyond the music. He has been there to encourage, support, and guide our son, and that means more to our family than we can put into words.
Over time, Ryan has become more than someone we see for drum lessons. He has become someone we consider part of our family. We are incredibly grateful for the relationship he has built with our son and for the positive impact he has had on all of us.
We feel truly fortunate to have Ryan in our lives and could not recommend him highly enough. He is an exceptional teacher, an amazing mentor, and an even better person.
Quinn's momparent of a drum student, 2 years
First consultation is always free
Lessons & pricing
One rate for my time, whatever the instrument: $100 an hour. The more you commit, the less each lesson costs, and the more you get from me between lessons.
Single Lesson
$75
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)
- I'll 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.
Flex Pack · 8 lessons
$69
per lesson, $552 total
For adults, gigging musicians and families with shifting schedules.
- Drums, piano or music theory
- In-studio, online, or in your home (+$15)
- I'll 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.
- Most popular
Monthly
$67.50
per lesson, $270 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.
- Best value
Full Year
$63.75
per lesson, $229.50 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
- 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.
- Audition-ready commitment: we set your target level in September and run a mock audition each semester. If you've followed the practice plan and aren't ready by audition month, up to two extra prep lessons are on me.
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. Pay the full year up front and take $100 off.
I believe every kid who wants to learn should be able to. If the rate is a stretch for your family, tell me at the consultation and we'll find something that works.
Compare
What each tier gets you
Every tier is the same teaching. The difference is how much support you get between lessons, and what each lesson costs.
| What's included | Single | Flex Pack | Most popular Monthly | Full Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lessons included | 1 | 8 | 4 a month | 36 |
| Standing weekly slot | ||||
| Off the single-lesson rate | 8% | 10% | 15% | |
| Make-up lessons | Not needed | 1 a month | 2 a semester | |
| First pick of lesson times | ||||
| Video feedback between lessons | Reply in 2 days | |||
| Mock audition or recital prep | 1 a semester | |||
| Written progress note | Each semester | |||
| Sibling discount | 10% off | |||
| To cancel | 24 hours | 24 hours | 30 days' notice | School year |
In-home lessons add $15 per lesson within Monroe County. Online lessons are the same price as in-studio. The first consultation is always free.
More ways to learn
After a private foundation
Group drum lessons
Small groups of three or four drummers at the same level, one kit, everyone plays and everyone learns from watching. Weekly six-week blocks, plus a monthly studio class open to all levels. Sorted into groups when you sign up. Rochester area. Location details when you sign up. $50 per student per 60-minute session, $300 per six-week block, three to four students. Monthly studio class $60, or $40 for Monthly and Full Year students. Paid up front; a block is cancelled and refunded if fewer than three enrol.
Join the waitlistFor bands and ensembles
Combo coaching
Bring your band, or I'll form one from my students. Ninety minutes a week for eight weeks, ending with a performance. Jazz standards, rock and pop, worship, whatever the group is playing. One fee per band, split however you like. $150 per band per 90-minute session, $1,200 per eight-week block.
Ask about coachingDrummers and pianists
Church musicians
I play drums and piano at church and coach worship musicians on playing from charts, following a leader, dynamics and serving the song. Private lessons, or a session with your team.
Book a free consultation
Band directors: I also run percussion sectionals and jazz clinics for school programs. Email rmbarski@gmail.com.
About your teacher
I've kept a private drum and piano studio since 2017, and teaching has been central to my work as a musician ever since. My approach is built around the individual student, so lessons are shaped by your goals, your instrument, and the music you actually want to play. I care as much about sound, touch, and musical honesty as I do about technique, because feel is what makes playing sound like you.
While earning my master's at Eastman from 2022 to 2024 I worked as a teaching assistant, leading an introduction to jazz drumming class for undergraduates. That work has been recognised with multiple DownBeat Student Music Awards, including Best Collegiate Jazz Ensemble in 2022 and 2024, and Best Collegiate Small Ensemble in 2022.
Beyond private lessons, I've led masterclasses and workshops at the Eastman Community Music School, Stetson University, Lake Shore High School, and Honeoye Falls–Lima High School.
Alongside teaching I have seven years of professional recording experience, an album with my band Side Step, and international touring. I also lead master classes and clinics for schools and ensembles.
- Eastman BM '22 · MM '24
- Worked with Maria Schneider, Christian McBride & Dafnis Prieto
- Rochester Int'l Jazz Festival every year since 2013
- Teaching privately since 2017: students age 4 to 70, in-studio, in-home & online
Frequently asked questions
Where and when do lessons happen?
Weekly lessons run 30, 45, or 60 minutes depending on the student's age and goals, at my private studio, in your home anywhere in Monroe County, or online. 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 I'll help you choose the right first instrument when the time comes.
What ages do you teach?
I've taught students as young as 4 and as old as 70. It is never too early or too late to start.
Do you travel for lessons?
Yes. I teach at my private studio and I also travel to students' homes throughout Monroe County.
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 my specialties, including solo repertoire, rudiments, and sight-reading, and I went through All-County, Area All-State, and All-State myself. 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.
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 offer group lessons?
Yes. Small drum groups of three or four at the same level, $50 per session in six-week blocks, plus a monthly 90-minute studio class at $60. Students start with a private foundation first so the group time is well spent. Join the waitlist and I'll tell you when the next block opens.
Can you coach my band?
Yes. Combo coaching is ninety minutes a week for eight weeks, any style, ending with a performance. $150 per band per session. Email me to set it up.
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 my audition-ready commitment: follow the plan, and if you're not ready by audition month, up to two extra prep lessons are on me.
Where are lessons?
In-studio lessons are on the east side of Rochester, about fifteen minutes from downtown. I'll send the address when we schedule your consultation. I also teach in your home anywhere in Monroe County, and online.
Ready to get started?
Tell me a little about the student and what they're hoping to learn, and I'll get back to you within a day.
What happens at the consultation
- Twenty minutes, free, at the studio or by phone. Your child is welcome but not required.
- We talk about goals, experience and schedule, and I answer 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.