Learn more about me!
Hey! My name is Ryan, and welcome to ‘Music With Ryan.’ I’m 34 now and I’m really just a regular ol’ guy who has found a way to make a living teaching guitar/music. I’ve been able to reach and connect with hundreds of people all around the globe through my site and deeply connect with one-one students closer to me. I’ve been at this for a while now.
‘How long you ask?’ Well, I’ve been giving private lessons for over eight years and running this site for the last five years but playing guitar for nearly seven-teen years now! This site is taken my music profession full-time and I now pour nearly all of my time and energy into creating lessons and instruction for MWR (Music With Ryan).
As you see, I’ve got two cute kids (August, 6 and Andie 4) along with a beautiful wife Anna, in these photos. And I must say, they’re probably the biggest reason I’ve created this site and turned it into my full-time job. I give it all I’ve got to provide for this family, just like so many of you out there. While these guys are my everything, this website is like my ‘third child.’ 🙂 So, I’m dedicated to creating quality instruction, on a consistent basis, for some time to come.
Here’ some other details other may want to know about me
Ryan Kimm holds a Bachelor of Arts in Music in Guitar Performance. He majored in Classical Guitar, studied Saxophone, Bass, and Piano. These skills laid the foundation for becoming a better musician and teacher. After school, Ryan began playing, listening, and studying Bluegrass to the likes of Tony Rice, Doc Watson, and Bill Monroe. This fueled his passion for becoming a flat-picking bluegrass guitar player. He was also able to study with Grammy-nominated guitarist Russ Barenberg which propelled his playing to a new level. Learning Bluegrass and acoustic music drove him to learn more of the stringed instruments such as upright bass and Dobro.
Ryan has taken his experiences from the stage and put them directly into the classroom. Learning from the pros, Ryan has been able to pass along the nuances of playing in bands, what it takes to listen to each other, and how to work together as a band. One of his motto’s is “Once you think you’ve heard everything, go back and listen again.”
Mission Statement
A few of my biggest passions are to perform, teach, and learn. I do my very best to bring this energy to my students. I want to push them as far as they want to be pushed or go as slow as they need to become comfortable with learning.
The question I often ask myself is “What will make it fun for the student?” People who stick with learning music do so because it’s fun. It doesn’t have to be the only reason but it seems to be the biggest. I try to bring that out of my students. This also requires some hard work from the student as well.
Learning guitar or any musical instrument can often be difficult and frustrating. I know from experience! If one really wants to become a better musician they must be dedicated and practice.
Each student has a different learning style and one of my jobs is to figure out how they learn music. I’m looking for students who are willing to learn about themselves, be dedicated to their instrument, and most of all, have fun playing! If you’re not having fun, you’re missing the music.
