Ryan Elwood is a drummer based out of Denver, Colorado. Throughout his career, he has performed at venues including Red Rocks Amphitheatre and the Ball Arena. Ryan also records drums from his home studio and frequently tracks at many other studios, including The Keep in Denver, Swingfingers Recording Studio in Fort Collins, and United Interests Sound Studios in Boulder.
Ryan has been a working musician since age fifteen, playing styles as varied as country, blues, rock, folk, and jazz. Over the past two decades, he has become a highly sought after sideman, performing and recording with artists like Blake Turner, Hunter James, and Jenny Shawhan.
In addition to his work on stage and in the studio, Ryan is an educator who has been teaching private drum lessons since 2002.
“Ryan Elwood is an accomplished musician who puts the song and singer first; a real
team player”
- Doug Haywood (Jackson Browne)
“Ryan Elwood is a strict time keeper and a consummate professional, listening and
executing with precision, never missing a cue, entry, chorus or breakdown.”
- Chris McGarry (songwriter, instructor at Swallow Hill Music)
“It has always been a pleasure working with Ryan. I respect him first as a musician and
then as a drummer. He has a solid foundation in harmony, which many drummers lack. I
think this makes him more aware of what is going on musically and therefore makes his
drumming much more musical.”
- Eric Dorn (jazz guitarist)
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“Ryan Elwood is an accomplished musician who puts the song and singer first; a real
team player”
- Doug Haywood (Jackson Browne)
“Ryan Elwood is a strict time keeper and a consummate professional, listening and
executing with precision, never missing a cue, entry, chorus or breakdown.”
- Chris McGarry (songwriter, instructor at Swallow Hill Music)
“It has always been a pleasure working with Ryan. I respect him first as a musician and
then as a drummer. He has a solid foundation in harmony, which many drummers lack. I
think this makes him more aware of what is going on musically and therefore makes his
drumming much more musical.”
- Eric Dorn (jazz guitarist)
"Ryan is one of the best percussionists in the city, a true professional."
- Gene Davis being interviewed by Cory Casciato, The A.V. Club
Denver/Boulder
"On the [Que Pasta's] self-titled, four-song EP, [Gene] Davis enlists help from
Ryan Elwood of FaceMan, Era from the Tanukis and a handful of others to flesh
out his cleverly written, melodically driven songs. The result isn't just good kid's
music, but good pop music for people of all ages."
- Eryc Eyl, The Denver Post Reverb
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Primary Instrument
Drums
Location
Denver
Willing to teach
Beginner to advanced
Credentials/Background
One-on-one instruction is a great way to get the perspective you need to grow as a
drummer. For nearly two decades, I have been providing drummers with tools to make
noticeable improvements in their playing and helping musicians get to the next level.
In addition to working on drum set styles and grooves, hand and foot technique, reading,
coordination, and music theory, I can help you discover new ways to listen, practice, and
gain confidence in your ability to play with other musicians.
During in-person studies, you’ll have the opportunity to learn on real drums – not an
electronic kit or a set covered with pads (this is very important for developing consistent
dynamics, tone, and feel)
Read more
Primary Instrument
Drums
Location
Denver
Willing to teach
Beginner to advanced
Credentials/Background
One-on-one instruction is a great way to get the perspective you need to grow as a
drummer. For nearly two decades, I have been providing drummers with tools to make
noticeable improvements in their playing and helping musicians get to the next level.
In addition to working on drum set styles and grooves, hand and foot technique, reading,
coordination, and music theory, I can help you discover new ways to listen, practice, and
gain confidence in your ability to play with other musicians.
During in-person studies, you’ll have the opportunity to learn on real drums – not an
electronic kit or a set covered with pads (this is very important for developing consistent
dynamics, tone, and feel). Each lesson is customized to your needs to help you set and
achieve realistic goals while having fun and being creative in the process.
Show less
