Ryan Joseph

Biography

Dr. Ryan Joseph serves as Coordinator of Strings at the Belmont University School of Music, where he teaches commercial and classical violin, viola, and mandolin, and also directs the Bluegrass and World Fiddle Ensembles. Born in a small town outside of Pittsburgh, PA, he began playing violin with his Grandfather (who was also a fiddler) and his family’s polka band when he was two years old. Ryan was featured in this band and was nominated for a Grammy Award in 2004. Appearing on Live with Regis and Kathie Lee when he was just 11 years old, Ryan first showcased his versatility to a national audience while singing and playing instruments including fiddle, saxophone, guitar, bass, and piano. After losing his Dad unexpectedly in 2006, Ryan decided to take time to pursue his musical passion and moved to Nashville in 2007 to chase his dream.

Ryan is currently in his tenth year of touring with country music legend, Alan Jackson, playing fiddle, mandolin, and singing harmony vocals. He has also performed, toured, or recorded with artists such as Billy Ray Cyrus, Jimmy Buffett, Laura Bell Bundy, Jimmy Fortune, Craig Morgan, Jamie O’Neal, Vince Gill, Amy Grant, Bonnie Raitt, Lee Ann Womack, Martina McBride, Zac Brown, Dierks Bentley, Chris Cagle, Kacey Musgraves, Brad Paisley, Kellie Pickler, Marty Stuart, and Carrie Underwood.

Performing all over the world including the United States, Europe, Australia, South America, and on Caribbean and Alaskan cruises, Ryan’s performance credits include the CMA Awards, Academy of Country Music Awards, ACM Honors, Good Morning America, the Today Show, the Tonight Show with Jay Leno, the Late Show with David Letterman, Conan O’Brien, Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, The View, Live with Kelly and Michael, Fox and Friends, Army Wives, ABC’s Nashville, and the Grand ‘Ole Opry.

Ryan earned an undergraduate degree in Music Education from Duquesne University (Pittsburgh, PA), a Master's degree in Instrumental Pedagogy from Belmont University (Nashville, TN), and a Doctorate degree in Music Education from Liberty University (Lynchburg, VA). In addition to his current service on the faculty at Belmont University, he is a national clinician for Eastman Music Company and a frequent guest clinician at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.

Ryan always aims to sincerely communicate his love of music and the violin, and make a positive difference in the lives of his audiences and students. Blessed to have many professional dreams come true throughout his life, Ryan loves to see the dreams of others also come true. He continues to draw audiences around the world, performing with the musical ideals first given to him by his Grandfather and the moral and personal ideals given to him by God, his parents, family, and friends.