Jazz drummer and music teacher in Rochester, NY
Ryan Barski
Eastman-trained jazz drummer and co-founder of Side Step. Ryan teaches drums, piano and music theory in Rochester, NY, for ages 4 to adult.
- Eastman BM ’22 · MM ’24
- RIJF Jazz Festival every year since 2013
- Taiwan Festivals and Masterclasses
- Side Step two records
- 5.0 on Google
- Funch Cymbals artist
For parents · Lessons at a glance
Full lesson detailsDrums from 4, piano from 5. Beginners welcome.
Plus NYSSMA, All-County and All-State prep.
Rochester’s east side, anywhere in Monroe County, or online.
Monthly plan $45 a lesson. Single 30-minute lesson $50.
Thirty minutes. If the first lesson isn’t a fit, you don’t pay.
Trained at Eastman. On festival stages from Rochester to Taiwan, touring and teaching with Side Step. Teaching drums, piano and theory to students of every age.
Hear him
live
Side Step’s two records, plus festival stages and universities across Taiwan. Jazz played by someone who lives it.
See shows
Learn from
the best
Drums from age 4, piano from age 5, theory and NYSSMA prep. At his studio, online, or in your home anywhere in Monroe County.
See lessonsOn stage, everywhere.
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The records.
Blues Clues
Studio album · CD $20
Live at Rudy’s
Live in Nashville · CD $20
Three easy steps.
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Free consultation
Thirty minutes at the studio or by phone. Talk through goals, experience and schedule, and agree on a plan and a lesson length.
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First lesson
Parents are welcome to sit in. If it isn’t a fit, you don’t pay for it.
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Weekly lessons
A standing weekly time, one make-up a month on the Monthly plan, and two studio recitals a year.
Lessons pause October 14 to 28 while Ryan performs in Taiwan with Leon Hsu. Free phone consultations stay open October 16 to 25, evenings Eastern time.
Fifteen five-star reviews.
“Ryan is incredibly gifted and such a patient and encouraging teacher for my kids! Can't recommend him enough. He works so well with all the different ages and personalities of my kids.”
“…I've had personal experience with him teaching my granddaughter who is 5 and working with my adult daughter. He is a teacher for all ages and a joy to be with!”
“…Ryan is patient, encouraging, incredibly knowledgeable, and has a genuine ability to meet you where you are. There's never any pressure or intimidation…”
“…He is tirelessly positive and encouraging… He excels in helping you find what it is about drumming and music that you love and using that to drive your practice.”
“He knows his stuff... AND is a great teacher! Not usually the case with most instructors/teachers... So I highly recommend Mr. Barski!”
How young can my child start?
Drummers from 4, pianists from 5. Ryan starts young students with short, rhythm-based lessons mostly away from the full kit.
Can I sit in on lessons?
Yes. Parents are welcome to sit in.
Do we need a drum set at home?
Not to start. A practice pad and sticks cover the first months. An electronic kit with headphones works well for apartments and late practice.
What if the first lesson isn’t a fit?
You don’t pay for it.
Where are lessons?
At Ryan’s studio on Rochester’s east side, about 15 minutes from downtown (address sent when you schedule), in your home anywhere in Monroe County, or online.
What if we miss a lesson?
Give 24 hours’ notice. The Monthly plan includes one make-up a month. Same-day cancellations are forfeited.
On tour
- 8:00 PM Leon Hsu Quartet at WiJazz Records Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- 9:15 PM Leon Hsu Quartet at OKU Hotel Taichung, Taiwan
- 7:00 PM Taichung Jazz Festival, main stage Taichung, Taiwan
More about Ryan
Drum, piano and music theory lessons, and a working jazz drummer
Ryan is a jazz drummer, educator and producer based in Rochester, NY. He earned both his bachelor's and master's at the Eastman School of Music, where he studied with Rich Thompson, and he has kept a private teaching studio since 2017.
He teaches drum, piano and music theory lessons in Rochester, NY for children and adults, starting at age four for drums and five for piano. Drum lessons cover grip and stroke, the rudiments and reading; piano lessons cover both clefs, technique and real repertoire; music theory runs from notation through AP preparation and jazz harmony. He prepares drum set and snare students for NYSSMA solo festival, All-County and All-State. Lessons happen at his private studio, in your home anywhere in Monroe County, or online.
Alongside teaching he plays with his quartet Side Step, and he has performed at the Rochester International Jazz Festival every year since 2013. He also plays worship music and leads master classes and clinics for schools and ensembles. What he learns on those stages is what he brings back into the studio.
Gigs & Shows
Available bookings for concerts, festivals, private/public events, weddings and much more.
• Jazz, contemporary, and custom ensembles
• Flexible group sizes and settings
• All Music Genres
* 3 Week Notice for Travel
Private Lessons
Personalized instruction for all ages and skill levels, whether you’re starting fresh or looking to refine your craft.
Piano or Drums
• 1 on 1 Sessions
• In Person or Online
• Focus on technique
* First Lesson Consultation
Producing
Ryan helps bring your project to life, from tracking drums to producing the full record.
• Live Performances & Touring
• Composition & Production
• Studio Recording
* Mentorship Program
Start here
First call is free Thirty minutes. No pressure.
Talk through your goals, or your child’s, and agree on a plan and a lesson length.