BIO
Meet Ryan
Performer / Educator / Composer
Ryan Grist is a saxophonist/woodwind multi-instrumentalist, educator and clinician based in Canada.
As a seasoned professional (musician and ensemble director), Ryan has performed with his own ensembles and greats of the Canadian Jazz scene, including Pat Labarbara, Brian Dickinson, Alex Dean, Brian O’Kane, Bill McBernie, Lorne Lofsky, PJ Perry, Brandy Disterheft and many others.
Ryan performed at this year’s Orangeville Blues & Jazz Festival with Soul Collective and his Jazz quartet at Marion Hall (with guest Nicholas Mustapha on keys, Dave McCarthur on percussion and Neal Davis on bass). Ryan recently added a baritone saxophone to his arsenal (completing the saxophone set) and had a blast taking it for a spin!
Ryan graduated from Humber College’s Jazz and Commercial Music program, received his Master’s in Musicology in 2021 and is currently a Ph.D. Candidate and TA at York University. He teaches Saxophones, Flute and Clarinet lessons from his home (and virtually) in Orangeville, Ontario, working with learners on woodwind fundamentals, audition preparation, theory and improvisation.
Meet Ryan
Performer / Educator / Composer
Ryan Grist is a saxophonist/woodwind multi-instrumentalist, educator and clinitian based in Canada.
As a seasoned professional (performer and ensemble director), Ryan has performed with his own ensembles and some greats of the Canadian Jazz scene including Pat Labarbara, Brian Dickinson, Alex Dean, Brian O’Kane, Bill McBernie, Lorne Lofsky, PJ Perry, Brandy Disterheft and many others.
This year, Ryan is excited to perform once again with Orangeville’s own Soul Collective at the Orangeville Blues and Jazz Festival and will also be playing a more intimate jazz set at Flaunt Salon, with guests Teri Parker on keys and Dave McCarthur on percussion.
Ryan is a graduate of Humber College’s Jazz and Commercial Music program, received his Master’s in Musicology in 2021 and is currently a Ph.D. Candidate at York University. He teaches Saxophones, Flute and Clarinet lessons out of his home (and virtually) in Orangeville, Ontario, working with learners on woodwind fundamentals, audition preparation, and improvisation.
UPCOMING SHOWS
PHOTOS / VIDEOS
GALLERY
LESSONS
Study with Ryan
Ryan has studied with the finest saxophone instructors that Canada has to offer and is humbled to pass on what has been gleaned from masters like Pat Labarbera, Alex Dean, Mark Promane and most recently Andy Ballentyne (doubling)
Ryan believes in practicing effectively and especially enjoys working with students towards a tangible goal
Over two decades of teaching experience from elementary to post-secondary, Ryan is proud to have helped students successfully audition for Arts programs at Mayfield High School, Humber College, Laurier, McMaster University and York University (among others)
Ryan emphasizes mindset and working holistically with the instrument, integrating wellness and fun with practice
TESTIMONIALS
STUDENTS
"Essential part of my music education and an important source of advice and mentorship"
Matt Parsons // Student
INSTRUCTION
"His leadership brings people together to produce sweet sounds"
Jim Waddington // Professional Photographer, Founder of Celebrate Your Awesome Festival
"Believes in giving to his community. Year after year, he continues to nurture and inspire countless budding musicians."
Allain Brisson // ODSS Music Teacher
PERFORMANCE
"The first guy I think of when it comes to Jazz in our town and region. A gifted sax player and all-round great entertainer."
Larry Kurtz // Found and Artist Director of the Orangeville Blues & Jazz Festival
"Ryan always goes above and beyond, which always makes it a pleasure to work with him."
Neal Davis // Musician and Long Time Collaborator
"We had the pleasure of hiring Ryan for my husband’s surprise birthday party. Ryan was very accommodating and pumped to make the surprise successful."
Kathleen Henning // Owner of Henning Salon