Drums

 Ryan grew up fascinated by music. From a young age, he kept a beat and would cry if music wasn’t playing. Raised by creative parents, Ryan was pushed to try piano and guitar but wasn’t interested until he discovered drums and percussion in middle school concert band. Immediately he created a make-shift drum set using a snare drum, books, candle holders, and anything else he could find and use without getting in trouble. That Christmas, he got his first real drum set and it was on. Immediately he started learning songs from Metallica, Pantera, and other similar bands to perform them at home with a guitarist friend. Soon after, a rockstar dream emerged to be one of the most technically proficient drummers in the world, i.e. a “drummer’s drummer.”

As time went on, Ryan’s musical taste became heavier and more technical despite only being self-taught. After graduating high school, the concept of routine practice finally clicked (despite years of concert and marching band) and his skills rapidly developed. While he was working harder than ever towards his rockstar dream, he started college in Knoxville, Tennessee, pursuing a degree in mechanical engineering, just in case–Ryan was the first of his family to go to college and wanted a backup plan. Nearing the end of his first semester, however, his father suddenly passed. This traumatic experience opened his eyes to the brevity of life and he no longer cared about safety–he had a God-given gift and he was going to use it. Just weeks later, Ryan resolved to change his major to music and fully pursue his musical aspirations. Upon starting his collegiate study of music, his taste for heavy metal was traded for the refined and nuanced sounds of jazz. He went on to transfer to Belmont University in Nashville, TN, where his studies intensified; if he wasn’t in the classroom, he was in the practice room learning material, drilling exercises, and writing original music. After completing his Junior year at Belmont, Ryan left the academic world to begin playing full-time. Back in Knoxville, he ran a private teaching studio and played countless gigs ranging in genres from rock and funk to jazz and contemporary worship before moving to Nashville in 2020. Today he plays full-time on Broadway, tours with various artists, and uses his talents to inspire others, developing their gifts and helping them achieve their goals.

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Music Lab does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. These activities include, but are not limited to, hiring and firing of staff, selection of volunteers and vendors, and provision of services. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our staff, clients, volunteers, subcontractors, vendors, and clients.

Music Lab is an equal opportunity employer. We will not discriminate and will take affirmative action measures to ensure against discrimination in employment, recruitment, advertisements for employment, compensation, termination, upgrading, promotions, and other conditions of employment against any employee or job applicant on the bases of race, color, gender, national origin, age, religion, creed, disability, veteran's status, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.