Andrew Ryan Guitarist Guitarist and Musician based in Waterford Ireland

Music has been the constant throughout my life. Today, I am a professional guitarist, musician, composer and music educator based in Waterford, Ireland, performing throughout the South East and across Ireland.

For more than twenty years, I balanced a successful career in engineering with an enduring commitment to music. While working professionally as an engineer, I performed in original bands, wrote and released music, and developed my skills as a guitarist, vocalist, and educator. After relocating to Waterford in 2018, I became an active member of the local music scene, performing regularly across Ireland with bands including High Definition and Fierce Mild.

What began as a lifelong passion gradually became a calling. In 2021, I returned to education to pursue a degree in Music at South East Technological University (SETU), specialising in classical guitar under Dr. Michael O'Toole. Graduating with First Class Honours in 2025, I was awarded the Senior Classical Guitar title at Feis Ceoil in 2024 and served as Chairperson of the SETU Guitar Society, organising concerts, workshops, masterclasses, and community music events featuring internationally renowned guitarists.

Alongside my studies, I continued to develop my creative practice through performance, composition, and collaboration. My work has included premiering original compositions internationally, contributing to interdisciplinary arts projects, curating live music events, and composing for film. In 2023, I received EU funding to attend a music festival in La Rochelle, France, where I premiered my original work A Coastal Chorus. More recently, I composed the score for the short film Letter to Miss Weaver.

In 2025, I made the decision to leave engineering behind and dedicate myself fully to music. Today, I work as a professional guitarist, composer, performer, and musician educator with Music Generation Waterford, helping young people discover their creativity and confidence through music.

My work spans solo classical guitar performance, acoustic and electric ensemble playing, original songwriting, composition, and music education. Whether performing on stage, recording new music, collaborating with fellow artists, or teaching the next generation of musicians, my goal is to create meaningful musical experiences that connect people, inspire creativity, and strengthen communities.

Alongside my creative and educational work, I perform professionally at weddings, private events and corporate events throughout Waterford, the South East and across Ireland. My work ranges from solo classical and acoustic guitar for wedding ceremonies and drinks receptions to electric guitar and full-band performances.

Music is life. Now it's my life's work.