Meet the teacher

Ryan brings focused, pressure-free, and high energy learning to adult and younger learners alike. It’s important to Ryan that lessons remain interactive and dynamic as students make progress each week. Students frequently comment on how positive he is, and how bad his jokes are.

Beyond the teaching studio, Ryan is an active part of the Austin music scene. He has also been touring nationally for more than 10 years. Recent notable performance credits include:

  • Zilker Park Summer Musical

  • Texas CMA Americana Artist of the Year Annie Davis

  • Scott Strickland Band

  • Painterly

Ryan holds an M.A. in Music from the UMKC Conservatory and a B.B.A. from the University of Iowa. He has studied drum set and percussion under John Kizilarmut, James Dreier, Michael Tooles, and Tom Corrao, and has had the privilege of learning alongside Francisco Mora Catlett, Rufus Reid, Bobby Watson, and Brian Lynch.

He currently teaches students ages 10 and up from Austin, Lakeway, Bee Cave, Cedar Park, and beyond at his private studio at XSpace Austin.

Ryan Smith is a drummer, educator, and performing musician based in Austin, TX with over 10 years of experience helping students of all ages find their groove.

Close-up of a smiling man with red hair, beard, and glasses wearing a white T-shirt and a blue shirt with white polka dots, against a pink background.