Meet Ryan - Percussion Teacher

Ryan Fox is a classically trained percussionist with experience in symphonic, opera, big band, musical theater, and jazz and family performance ensembles. He currently performs as principal timpanist with Northwest Symphony Orchestra and as seated percussionist with Mid-Columbia Symphony Orchestra and Helena Symphony. He has performed as principal timpanist with the Northwest Mahler Festival since 2016. Ryan studied with Jack Van Geem (San Francisco Symphony), William Wanser (Phoenix Symphony), Mike Crusoe (Seattle Symphony), Mark Goodenberger, Dr. Memmi Ochi, and others and completed masterclasses with Tom Freer, Jim Atwood, Tim Adams, and Jonathan Haas.

Mr. Fox has performed with a variety of Puget Sound orchestras, including Seattle Festival Orchestra, Cascade Symphony, Octava Chamber Orchestra, Thalia Symphony, and Pacifica Chamber Orchestra. He also performs with the big band Moonlight Swing Orchestra. In addition to symphonic music, Fox has played in theater pits, including Balagan Theatre in Seattle and Village Theatre in Everett. He has also been featured in annual holiday show tours with harpist Bronn Journey since 2014 and in dozens of live family shows with Emmy Award winner Tim Noah since 2008.

Ryan is a graduate of the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, where he completed a Master of Music degree in Percussion Performance, along with magna cum laude honors from Central Washington University where he earned his Bachelor of Music. He is the 2015 recipient of the Thomas Gause Award from the CWU College of Arts & Humanities for achievement in music performance. Ryan received show pit training on Broadway as a percussionist. He was selected multiple times to attend the Pacific Region International Music Festival in Powell River, BC, Vancouver Symphony Orchestra Summer Institute in Whistler, BC, and Marrowstone Music Festival in Bellingham, WA.

Mr. Fox served as Children’s Percussion Workshop performer and teacher for the Kittitas County Early Learning Coalition and has taught in the Seattle Youth Symphony’s Marrowstone-in-the-City as a percussion faculty assistant for several years. He enjoys offering private instruction and intensive coaching for college auditions and for competitions he won, such as the WMEA State Solo & Ensemble contest.

Ryan is autistic and understands the needs of unique learners. He finds joy in creative expression through his music. In his free time, Ryan has volunteered with the USO at both San Francisco and Seattle-Tacoma International Airports and with Arc of King County’s Wings for Autism programs. He loves to travel.

“I believe that listening to and performing beautiful music can make a difference in a person’s life. Through music one can create positive memories that bring inspiration and comfort. I am committed to nurturing the souls of young percussionists by offering quality music instruction that makes study and sharing enjoyable. I strive to relate to each student’s unique gifts in a supportive, courteous, professional manner.” - Ryan

MONTHLY TUITION Rates

Find out what monthly tuition means here!

30 minutes     $120

45 minutes     $180

60 minutes     $200