Ryan O'Shaughnessy

Ryan believes in nourishing the gardens of your gifts so you can pour into others—the mission of a true teacher. 

 

Ryan humbly began playing on a $100 Ibanez guitar at the age of ten years old loving classic rock and creating songs with the limited tools he had at hand. By the age of fourteen Ryan already found himself in rock bands trying to play like Slash while other kids wanted to be like Mike. Needless to say, Ryan was hooked and there was no turning back. 

 

After high school, Ryan wanted to take his studies to the next level where he studied Jazz Guitar at Terra State Community College and then transferred to Capital University in Columbus Ohio. Fascinated by the rich harmonic textures of the Jazz giants, Ryan's love for music and motivation were at an all-time high. During this time Ryan loved performing with his funky jam band Benchwood Wyse. From college parties to respected venues around Columbus and Cincinnati, music was kept alive in his heart. 

 

However, during Ryan's senior year of college, everything came to a halt due to the discovery of a benign brain tumor pressed against his trigeminal nerve. Ryan thought he would never have the chance to play again. Post-surgery, through faith Ryan pulled himself out of darkness and lost 140lbs earned a Blue Belt in Jiu Jitsu, hand-built a guitar curriculum alongside his loyal student base, and taught over 15,000 guitar lessons. 

 

In Ryan’s own words, teaching is never just about the guitar. His students' success with and without the instrument is his main focus. Through volume and dedication to listening to his students, Ryan hand-built a curriculum that has helped hundreds of students achieve the ability to have guitar for life. Not afraid of innovation Ryan incorporates custom YouTube tutorials in conjunction with his one-on-one teaching where his students' success is the driving force for innovation. 

 

Alongside teaching, Ryan loves to perform. As a freelance musician, Ryan is well-versed in vocal accompaniment and arranging. His most recent project Ryan & Olivia is an acoustic duo that has performed over 300 dates in 3 years. Performing at venues all around Erie Shores and Islands as well as a represented artist of the Cleveland Music Group. The dynamic duo kept Ryan growing and discovering. 

 

Currently, Ryan is deeply focused on his own studies with his teachers Jake Workman and Adam Schlenker. Being in a state of growth with the instruments is where Ryan finds peace and happiness. Through his example of discipline and his love of the instrument, Ryan again reminds his students to nourish the gardens of their gifts so that one day they can pour into others.