Who is Ryan Beck ... Ryan Beck was born and raised in Great Falls Montana. During this time, Ryan began his journey of learning the art of music. At age 4 he started piano lessons, age 10 began playing tuba and trumpet in school, and at age 12 started playing the electric bass. Bass guitar was the instrument for this time in his life that really took a strong hold to his interest. Ryan would spend most of his spare time playing and learning about the bass. His bass teacher at this time was Rob Kohler. To this day, Ryan looks up to Rob as a great role model and mentor. In 1997, Ryan graduated from CMR High School in Great Falls and in 2002 from the University of Montana in Missoula. During Ryan’s time at the university, where he earned his Bachelor’s in Music Education, he had a lot of great musical experiences. Along with learning the necessary musical elements at a collegiate level, Ryan was in many extra musical activities including Jazz I, The New Jubes, The Symphonic Wind Ensemble, among others. After graduating, Ryan taught band for 2 years at a local community, and most recently has been privately teaching piano, bass and guitar. Ryan really has taught bass since late high school, but became a full-time business in 2004 when he made the decision to stay home with his child, Evan, in the mornings and teach at night. –Risky move, but definitely for the better.-- Since this decision occurred, Ryan has maintained a private studio for a student load of 45-68 per week. For the last few years, Ryan has gained a particular interest in instrument building. In this time, Ryan has built a limited number of basses and guitars. All sales so far have been word-of-mouth, and mostly local transactions. Ryan is very excited about his future as a luthier. Ryan has lived in Missoula since 1997. He lives with his lovely wife, Amy, and his 2 beautiful boys Evan and Sam. Ryan recently attended the Bass Bass in Bozeman Montana and was able to jam with some world-renowned bassists. In Ryan's words: "I was in bass heaven!" To the right standing with Ryan is Nathan East. Mr. East has played along with the recordings of jazz bassists Ron Carter, Ray Brown, Charles Mingus, Buster Williams, Scott LaFaro, Motown's James Jamerson, James Brwn, Sly Stone with Larry Graham, Cream, and horn bands like Chicago, Tower of Power, and Blood, Sweat & Tears. Below is Ryan with Adam Nitti, solo virtuoso. Adam has toured with the Dave Weckl band, Jeff Coffin Mu’tet, the Justice League, and Angie Aparo, and has also performed with such legendary artists as Scott Henderson, T Lavitz, Peter Erskine, Jimmy Herring, Mike Stern, Kirk Covington, Susan Tedeschi, Wayne Krantz, and many others.