Dr. Ryan Scott (he, him) has performed extensively as a marimba and multi-percussion soloist in contemporary music festivals in Europe, Japan, China, Indonesia, South Africa, the UK, and The Netherlands.  He has also performed as guest soloist in over 25 different percussion concerti with the Esprit Orchestra, the National Arts Centre Orchestra, The Hyogo Performing Arts Centre Orchestra, The Austin Symphony, and numerous other orchestras and chamber ensembles across North America.

Ryan is a stalwart figure in the Toronto contemporary music community and has performed in over 400 world premieres.  In addition to his work as a regular guest artist with NEXUS, Principal Percussionist of the Esprit Orchestra, and Percussionist in the Canadian Opera Company Orchestra since 1996, he is also a sought-after chamber musician and teacher.  A core member of Continuum Contemporary Music (founded 1985), he also serves the organization as Artistic Director. Through his work at Continuum, Ryan received the 2020 and 2021 “Toronto Musician of the Year Award” from the TMA local 149, Toronto Musicians’ Union.  

Ryan studied with Russell Hartenberger and Robin Engelman at the University of Toronto (BMus, MMus, DMA). He teaches at the Faculty of Music, University of Toronto, and at the National Youth Orchestra of Canada. His dissertation on the Art of Marimba in Tokyo can be read here.

Photograph by Brian Mosoff.