ryan andrews

Musician and composer Ryan Andrews may be young, but still has a decade of professional music-making under his belt. During that time he's performed and recorded with a variety of great artists (covering the whole spectrum from country star Frankie Ballard to jazz legend Fred Hersch) as well as headed up a few projects of his own. As a writer, he's had the opportunity to write and record his works for a wide range of ensembles, from jazz small groups and chamber ensembles to orchestras and big bands.

Ryan began his college education at Western Michigan University, where he received his Bachelor of Music degree for jazz drum set performance and a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish. In 2012, he graduated with a Master's in Studio Jazz Writing from the University of Miami. While learning from and working with inspiring artists such as Lyle Mays, Stefon Harris, Terence Blanchard and Billy Hart, Ryan also kept a busy performance schedule including shows in Carnegie Hall and the 2008 Olympic opening ceremonies in Hong Kong.

Ryan has been the recipient of eight Downbeat Student Music Awards in six different categories, including two for his first project as leader released in 2009, entitled Requiem, featuring all original compositions. He was also recently named a winner of the 2012 ASCAP Foundation Young Jazz Composer Award. He currently freelances internationally as a performer and composer.