In the 8 years that I have been working as a music therapist, I have seen the power of music at work in the lives of those that I serve.

Growing up, I learned metal and percussive fingerstyle songs, played in metal bands and church bands, and studied classical and jazz guitar in school. With time, I became an accomplished guitarist. Having those skills have dramatically increased my capabilities as music therapist.

From playing funky-fresh music during physical therapy sessions; to accompanying vocal exercises on guitar; to improvising chord progressions to a patient's personal hymn; to adapting anime chords to make the songs easier to play; I have discovered multiple ways to breathe life into sessions through most music therapists' primary instrument - guitar.

Playing guitar has brought me to “the highest of highs” and through “the lowest of lows.” It’s helped me cope with the loss of my parents; has brought my wife and I together; makes my daughter dance; and is what I use to serve others every day.

Learning guitar was one of the most important decisions in my life, and I want to share what I’ve learned with others!

Riffs with Ryan is dedicated to helping music therapists grow in their guitar skills to serve their clients and ignite joy in playing guitar.

I’d love to offer you my FAVORITE, EASIER ways to play the four major barre chord shapes (on me)! Sign up for my exclusive guitar-for-music-therapy newsletter down below to get my “How to Never Play a Traditional Barre Chord Again” PDF!

Thanks for visiting!
— Ryan