Banjo, Guitar
Styles - Bluegrass, Newgrass, Jazz, Rock, Classical
Techniques - Flatpicking, Fingerstyle, Scruggs (Bluegrass Banjo), Blues, Screaming Electric Guitar Distortion Techniques
Ryan’s style of teaching is geared around the student as an active participant in the process. First, there are metacognitive assessment tools used to figure out where the student is and interviews to determine the goals of the student. This allows a proper treatment that moves the student towards goals. Improvisational Theory is his specialty but he would not give scales or teach improv unless that was a goal of the student. He teaches practice habits, and expects students to think about what they want and show them how to get there and use songs as a main vehicle. Fun is very important as well and believing music is a healing tool and great gift from our Creator means only a fraction of time is spent on heavy topics. He only teaches theory and sight reading if he needs to or the student asks for it. His goal is not to create clones but to have students develop themselves and become unique by nurturing their potentials.
Several records that Ryan played on that were recorded years ago that still get a lot of radio play. Several musicals he was in were Jeff nominated. He recorded with an award winning bluegrass group called Tangleweed that was invited to perform at the International Bluegrass Music Awards and hit the charts across the World. One of his original songs placed in the top 5 of an International song writing contest. One of his pieces was showcased for Alvin Ailey Dance company in New York City. Ryan has done music for many of the Chicago Dance companies. His latest project has been producing and engineering his own music for online publication.
Education: Berklee College of Music
University of Iowa, BA, Political Science, MA Social Studies
Started at the Old Town School in October of 2002
