Teaching has been an essential part of Ryan’s musical journey and calling. Since 2017, he has maintained a thriving private drum and piano studio, teaching students ranging in age from 8 to 70.
His approach to teaching is deeply personal, shaped around the needs and goals of each individual student. Lessons are designed to challenge and inspire, drawing on years of experience to develop not only technical skill but also musical intuition and emotional depth.
Ryan’s unique teaching philosophy was formed through over ten years of mentorship under drummer and educator Rich Thompson, whose influence instilled in him the importance of sound, touch, and musical honesty.
From this foundation, Ryan developed an approach that prioritizes feel, expression, and sensitivity helping students connect deeply to their instrument and the music itself.
From 2022 to 2024, Ryan served as a Functional Jazz Drum Set Instructor at the Eastman School of Music, teaching undergraduate students in both applied performance and ensemble settings. In this role, he guided students to balance technical command with personal creativity, helping them cultivate both precision and expressive depth.
Ryan’s dedication as an educator has been recognized through multiple DownBeat Student Music Awards, including Best Collegiate Jazz Ensemble (2022, 2024) and Best Collegiate Small Ensemble (2022). Beyond private lessons, he has led masterclasses and workshops at institutions including the Eastman Community Music School, Stetson University, Lake Shore High School, and Honeoye Falls–Lima High School, where he shares not only his expertise but also his passion for helping others find their voice through music.