Ryan Pearson*

Dr. Ryan Pearson is a percussionist and educator dedicated to the exploration and creation of exciting, diverse, and artistic percussion music.

A prolific performer, Ryan has played throughout the continental United States and Europe, including tours through Florence, Rome, London, and Amsterdam. As a Heartland Marimba Artist, he has toured throughout the U.S. performing numerous world premieres, collaborating with a diverse group of composers, and advancing the classical marimba art form. He was also a member of the International Marimba Orchestra for their tour in 2021.

Ryan is a passionate collaborator, working directly with composers such as Jenni Brandon, Cassie Wieland, and Andrew Rodriguez. He performs regularly with the Hays Symphony Orchestra, the Ad Astra Music Festival, the Lawrence Community Orchestra, and is a former member of the Champaign-Urbana Symphony and Sinfonia da Camera.

Currently, Ryan is the Assistant Professor of Percussion and Assistant Director of Bands at Fort Hays State University in Hays, Kansas. He teaches private lessons, directs the Percussion Ensemble, the Symphonic Winds, and the Marching Tigers Drumline. Ryan is a proud Marimba One and JG Percussion Artist.