Ryan Sands

Born and raised in Connecticut, Ryan Sands began his musical journey in 2012 and is working to become one of the top on-call musicians in his area.

Growing up between New Haven, CT, and Orange, CT, Ryan received his formal training at Neighborhood Music School and Educational of the Arts. Later he would study at Manhattan School of Music's Pre-College Division. It was at these institutions that he learned his fundamental musical values. Those values would follow him through his time at New England Conservatory and Manhattan School of Music. At New England Conservatory, Ryan led the drum chair for NEC's Jazz Orchestra and multiple ensembles. In 2016 he was selected to participate in the Panama Jazz Festival as a performer and educator. Shortly after, he was selected for his school's Honor Ensemble, where he and his bandmates would perform and give clinics in the Boston community. While at MSM, Ryan worked at Motts Hall II as a percussion teacher for their outreach program.

After graduation, he would perform with Phil Markowitz, Jimmy Bruno, Zach Brock, and John Escreet and become a rotating member of the Christian Sands Trio. Notable past performances include a month-long residency in Shanghai for Lincoln Center, Boston Celebrity Series, Jordan Hall, Umbria Jazz, and EFG London Jazz Festival.

Ryan is currently working as the primary drummer for the New York-based improv group Altus, and leading his band, the Ryan Sands Trio.

Ryan proudly endorses Canopus Drums and Paiste Cymbals.