Originally from Rotorua, Ryan started playing Tuba at the age of 14 as part of a school program which introduced students to musical instruments and education.

Ryan has won numerous regional and national titles including the New Zealand Junior Champion of Champions in 2003.

Ryan has been Principal Tuba for the National Youth Brass Band of New Zealand for 2002, 2003 and 2004 and at that time was one of the youngest principals in the history of the National Youth Brass Band. Ryan has played and toured with some of New Zealand's Orchestras and was also Principal Tuba of New Zealand's National Youth Orchestra in 2002 and 2003.

In 2003 Ryan was the youngest member selected for the New Zealand National Band.

After successfully being awarded a music scholarship to attend Kings College in Auckland, Ryan joined Dalewool Auckland Brass Band as their Principal Tuba and appeared with the band extensively as a soloist.

In 2004 Ryan was featured on a New Zealand Television documentary as one of New Zealand's leading young classical musicians.

Ryan has studied tuba under principal Tubaist of the Auckland Philharmonic Orchestra, Jonathan Baker as well as NZSO Principal Tuba Andrew Jarvis. Ryan has also received tuition from Floyd Cooley (ex. principal tuba of San Francisco Symphony Orchestra) and James Gourlay (Musical Director – River City Brass Band - USA).

Some of Ryan's highlights include playing at the 2004 British Open Brass Band Championship with Dalewool Auckland Brass and the 2004 Wonju Military Tattoo in South Korea playing the tuba duet Flight of the Bumble bee with Phil Johnston. A year after 2005 Ryan was invited as a guest artist to perform with International Opera singer, Dame Melvina Major.

Following 2 years with the New Zealand Army Band, Ryan took time away from playing tuba professionally to establish himself within the Facilities Management industry.

Based in North Canterbury, Ryan founded Niche FM Consulting Ltd in 2015 which is Management Consultancy Business that specialises in Facilities and Project Management throughout New Zealand and Australia.

Ryan joined Nelson City Brass in May 2016 as Principal Tuba and Soloist and looks forward to being part of an exciting stage of the bands history.

Niche FM Consulting Ltd have recently become a sponsor of the Nelson City Brass Band.