BIO
Meet Ryan
Performer / Educator / Composer
Ryan Grist is a saxophonist/woodwind multi-instrumentalist, educator and clinician based in Canada.
As a seasoned professional (musician and ensemble director), Ryan has performed with his own ensembles and greats of the Canadian Jazz scene, including Pat Labarbara, Brian Dickinson, Alex Dean, Brian O’Kane, Bill McBernie, Lorne Lofsky, PJ Perry, Brandy Disterheft and many others.
Ryan performed at this year’s Orangeville Blues & Jazz Festival with Soul Collective and his Jazz quartet at Marion Hall (with guest Nicholas Mustapha on keys, Dave McCarthur on percussion and Neal Davis on bass). Ryan recently added a baritone saxophone to his arsenal (completing the saxophone set) and had a blast taking it for a spin!
Ryan graduated from Humber College’s Jazz and Commercial Music program, received his Master’s in Musicology in 2021 and is currently a Ph.D. Candidate and TA at York University. He teaches Saxophones, Flute and Clarinet lessons from his home (and virtually) in Orangeville, Ontario, working with learners on woodwind fundamentals, audition preparation, theory and improvisation.
Meet Ryan
Performer / Educator / Composer
Ryan Grist is a saxophonist/woodwind multi-instrumentalist, educator and clinitian based in Canada.
As a seasoned professional (performer and ensemble director), Ryan has performed with his own ensembles and some greats of the Canadian Jazz scene including Pat Labarbara, Brian Dickinson, Alex Dean, Brian O’Kane, Bill McBernie, Lorne Lofsky, PJ Perry, Brandy Disterheft and many others.
This year, Ryan is excited to perform once again with Orangeville’s own Soul Collective at the Orangeville Blues and Jazz Festival and will also be playing a more intimate jazz set at Flaunt Salon, with guests Teri Parker on keys and Dave McCarthur on percussion.
Ryan is a graduate of Humber College’s Jazz and Commercial Music program, received his Master’s in Musicology in 2021 and is currently a Ph.D. Candidate at York University. He teaches Saxophones, Flute and Clarinet lessons out of his home (and virtually) in Orangeville, Ontario, working with learners on woodwind fundamentals, audition preparation, and improvisation.
UPCOMING SHOWS
PHOTOS / VIDEOS
GALLERY
LESSONS
Study with Ryan
Ryan has studied with the finest saxophone instructors that Canada has to offer and is humbled to pass on what has been gleaned from masters like Pat Labarbera, Alex Dean, Mark Promane and most recently Andy Ballentyne (doubling)
Ryan believes in practicing effectively and especially enjoys working with students towards a tangible goal
Over two decades of teaching experience from elementary to post-secondary, Ryan is proud to have helped students successfully audition for Arts programs at Mayfield High School, Humber College, Laurier, McMaster University and York University (among others)
Ryan emphasizes mindset and working holistically with the instrument, integrating wellness and fun with practice
TESTIMONIALS
STUDENTS
"Essential part of my music education and an important source of advice and mentorship"
Matt Parsons // Student
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I’ve known Ryan for about 8 years now. During that time he has been an essential part of my music education and an important source of advice and mentorship both for musical decisions and career management. When I was a young beginning jazz musician Ryan taught me to think beyond the “notes” and truly understand “feel”. That sense of time and “groove” is one of the most important elements of music which many other teachers neglect. Ryan never fails to encourage his students to go further, be bold, and develop to their full potential and more. He is a kind a patient teacher who is not afraid to push his students just that little bit further to create music that is truly unique.
INSTRUCTION
"His leadership brings people together to produce sweet sounds"
Jim Waddington // Professional Photographer, Founder of Celebrate Your Awesome Festival
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I have had the privilege of knowing Ryan for the past 10 years. He is a great family man and a wonderful supporter of his community. His musicianship is stellar. His dedication to music is shown through his involvement with the ODSS Jazz Band and others. He can play with any group or musician. His leadership brings people together to produce sweet sounds no matter where he plays. He is a true professional!
"Believes in giving to his community. Year after year, he continues to nurture and inspire countless budding musicians."
Allain Brisson // ODSS Music Teacher
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With every note that Ryan Grist plays, he has you feel the inner landscape of the song! Ryan Grist is a man who believes in giving to his community and his presence was deeply felt as the leader of the ODSS Jazz Band. Year after year, he continues to nurture and inspire countless budding musicians.
PERFORMANCE
"The first guy I think of when it comes to Jazz in our town and region. A gifted sax player and all-round great entertainer."
Larry Kurtz // Found and Artist Director of the Orangeville Blues & Jazz Festival
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Ryan Grist is the first guy I think of when it comes to Jazz in our town and region. A gifted sax player, Ryan is also a singer and all-round great entertainer. Whether performing in a duo or all the way up to a big band, he always puts on a stellar performance. He has been instrumental in helping educate many young aspiring musicians and contributed in a big way to the success of the Orangeville Blues & Jazz Festival. Ryan Grist is Jazz music in Orangeville!
"Ryan always goes above and beyond, which always makes it a pleasure to work with him."
Neal Davis // Musician and Long Time Collaborator
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It has been a pleasure to work and perform with Ryan over the past 20 years, I cannot say I know many other musicians that put in the time to make a gig as pleasurable as possible for the client as him. Ryan always goes above and beyond, which always makes it a pleasure to work with him because I know that a happy client means a happy band.
"We had the pleasure of hiring Ryan for my husband’s surprise birthday party. Ryan was very accommodating and pumped to make the surprise successful."
Kathleen Henning // Owner of Henning Salon
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We had the pleasure of hiring Ryan and his band for my husband’s 50th surprise birthday party. Ryan was very accommodating and pumped to make the surprise successful. I first met Ryan and his talented band (Soul Collective) at the Blues & Jazz Festival in Orangeville, and our friends and family couldn’t get enough of them. They were engaging and brought lots of laughs and a whole lot of dancing to the event. The music was so energetic. Ryan seemed as though he was friends with all the people that attended. Thank you, Ryan, (and Soul Collective) for the great memories! I will always think of you guys for our next party and look forward to seeing you again at the Blues & Jazz Festival.