Ryan | Teacher #2276
About Ryan
Ryan, a dedicated music teacher with a diverse background, aims to spread the joy of music making to his students. With extensive training in French horn performance and a passion for various genres, including pop, jazz, funk, and more, he offers tailored lessons focused on cultivating efficient practice techniques. Ryan's philosophy centers on maintaining correct posture, fostering mental focus, and nurturing emotional well-being during music practice. He emphasizes quality over quantity and aims to help students achieve their musical goals while enjoying the process. Ryan provides both online and in-person lessons, making music education accessible to all.
French Horn Ear Training Music Theory (Beginner-Intermediate) Solfege Music Appreciation Dictation Music Theory (Advanced) Jazz Improvation
Online Lessons In Studio Lessons Lessons in Your Home
Classical Pop Rock Progressive Rock Funk Baroque
English
Teaching Philosophy
My teaching philosophy ultimately stems from spreading the joy of music making. My primary goal is to foster a passion and appreciation for this beautiful art in each and every one of my students. I find so much joy in so many diverse genres of music, and I am confident in my ability to help my students find that joy for themselves. My lessons will be centred around cultivating efficient practice techniques in three ways: PHYSICALLY: – Maintaining correct posture, breathing, and relaxation while playing to maximize sound production and resonance, while minimizing effort. MENTALLY: – 30 minutes of focused practice can accomplish more than 3 hours of unfocused practice. More hours does not equal more progress! It is the QUALITY of the work we do that will bring the best results and allow us to achieve our goals. Together we will strive to eliminate those extra mindless hours of practice so you can get back to all those other things you love. EMOTIONALLY: – When we approach the instrument, we want to make sure that we are in a good headspace and have goals we are excited to achieve. Practicing is important, but forcing ourselves creates an unhealthy relationship with the instrument and restricts our learning. In our lessons we will work together to find creative and fun ways to get around those pesky motivational road blocks. Let’s find the music you love most and work towards playing the way you want! First and foremost, my lessons are designed so that YOU get the results and experience that you’re looking for. I will tailor each lesson plan specifically to each student to suit their needs. Whether you’re training to be one of the world’s greatest performers, and need a solid basis of fundamentals to build on as you improve, or you’re just looking to play your favourite tunes simply for the joy of it, together we will make your goals a reality and help you be the best musician you can be. I look forward to working with you!
Musical Education
I studied piano privately between the ages of 6 and 16 and I have been playing the horn for 17 years. I attended high school at the Etobicoke School of the Arts where I was introduced to a wide variety of genres and styles, and then went on to complete my Bachelor's Degree in French Horn Performance at McGill University and an Artist Diploma from the Glenn Gould School. I am a 3 year alumnus and Award of Excellence recipient of the National Youth Orchestra of Canada and a 5 year alumnus of the Toronto Symphony youth Orchestra. I have performed with some of Canada's premier professional ensembles including the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, the Canadian Opera Company, L'Orchestre Classique de Montréal, the Kingston Symphony Orchestra, and the Amici Chamber Ensemble. I have sung with several choirs in Toronto, most notably the Exultate Chamber singers, RESound Choir, and the Amadeus Choir of Greater Toronto. I currently hold the position of Assistant Principal/3rd Horn in the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra.
Awards and Distinctions
Edmonton Symphony Orchestra, Assistant Principal/3rd Horn, March '23 - present National Arts Centre Orchestra International 3rd horn Semi-finalist, Feb ’20 Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra National 3rd horn Semi-finalist, Nov ’18 National Youth Orchestra of Canada Award of Excellence in the Amount of $5,000 Michael and Sonja Koerner Scholarship to the Glenn Gould School in the amount of $57,000 McGill University Schulich Scholarship in the amount of $10,000 Oscar Morawetz Entrance Scholarship to the University of Toronto in the amount of $6,000
Special Skills and Trainings
I often describe myself as a classical musician, but this is only a small picture of my musical life. I have been studying and exploring music of all genres since my high school days, and as such I have spent many years playing and writing music in styles including pop, folk, rock, jazz, funk, alternative, metal, progressive rock, and noise/experimental. I have been a part of many bands and ensembles over the years and can provide guidance on how to build and manage your own group. In recent years, I've been part of a 10 piece funk band that has played all over Toronto in some of the city's most reputable venues, and I have become obsessed with the world of improvisation - not only in execution, but also with its importance for the musical mind. Improvisation has given me such invaluable musical freedom, and I am very passionate about bringing all of my expertise in these diverse styles together to create a musical language that is unique to me - and I can help you do this as well!
Lessons in your home
Ryan is available to teach in your home if you are located in the following areas:- King, ON
- Toronto, ON
Lessons in a music studio
Ryan offers lessons from his studio. Map locations are approximate and based on the postal code of the teacher’s studio. The full address will be provided upon registration.Lessons on an online platform
Ryan can provide online instruction. While other platforms are possible BAH strongly recommends the use of the Zoom video conferencing platform as it is optimized for music lessons and audio quality.Reviews
Associate Teacher Lesson Rates:
Ryan is a Beethoven at Home Associate Teacher
- 30 minutes: $39
- 45 minutes: $49
- 60 minutes: $59
Home visit fee: $15 minimum fee. Teachers may negotiate a higher travel fee if the travel distance is longer than they are comfortable with. Most arrangements use the minimum fee.
One-Time Family Registration: $25. This covers your entire family for life - once you're in, everyone can take lessons!
Our Promise to You
Getting Started Together
We don't offer free trials, but we do something better - a relaxed 2-lesson getting-to-know-you period. You can pause anytime with just 24 hours notice. After your third lesson, we ask for a friendly 2-lesson heads up if you need to stop.
Life Happens - We Get It
Give us 24 hours notice for any cancellation or reschedule and you'll receive full credit. Planning a family vacation or summer break? Perfect - just let us know a day ahead and we'll pause your lessons.
When You're Under the Weather
If illness strikes with short notice (less than 24 hours), you'll still be charged since your teacher has reserved that time. However, most teachers are happy to offer makeup lessons when possible - they have the final say, especially if last-minute cancellations become a pattern.
Stopping Lessons
Need to take a break? We just ask for a 2-lesson notice:
Weekly lessons = 2 weeks notice
Every other week = 3 weeks notice
Twice weekly = 1 week notice
Summer breaks are different - no notice period needed when you return in the fall!
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