Dr. Ryan Patterson is a percussionist and educator based in Austin, Texas. He is currently serving as Adjunct percussion professor at the Austin Community College where he teaches private lessons for percussionist and other courses. He also teaches Private lessons throughout Leander ISD, 6th grade percussion classes, and marching band with Leander High school. He also has experience with world music, having served as performer and director of The Pans of Texas steel pan ensemble based on the University of Texas – Austin campus. He has also performed with the Saakamu Dance Troupe and studied with them and their musicians at the Bernard Woma Dagara Music center and worked with Nani and Emmanuel Agbeli through performances in the states and study at the Dagbe Cultural Institute in Kopeyia Ghana.

Dr. Patterson is an active performer, having held positions with the Fort Smith Symphony, Poinsett Wind Symphony, the Missouri Symphony, Rare Form percussion Trio, Ensemble 228, and The Blue Notes Group. He has also had the opportunity to present at the North American Saxophone Alliance Biennial Conference and the Texas Music Educators Association. His performance experience also extends to a variety of world ensembles including Ewe Drumming and Dancing, Dagara gyil ensembles, Steel pan ensembles, and Mbira ensembles.

As an educator, Dr. Patterson’s experience extends to several different genres and ensembles. Before assuming his current position at ACC, Ryan served as the Visiting Professor of percussion at the University of Arkansas Fort Smith and the teaching assistant for both “The Pans of Texas” Steel Pan Ensemble and the University of Missouri Drumline. He has also served as Percussion Advisor for the Carolina Youth Symphony and has extensive experience in the marching arts teaching both front ensemble and battery for schools throughout South Carolina, Missouri, Texas, and Arkansas.
Ryan holds degrees from Furman University (B.M.), The University of Missouri (M.M.), and The University of Texas (D.M.A.)