J Ryan Garber

Education

Garber began musical studies on the piano at age four. He subsequently became proficient on the bassoon and organ as well. His undergraduate and Masters degrees are from James Madison University (Harrisonburg, VA). At JMU he studied composition from John S. Hilliard, a former student of Karel Husa and Donald Erb. His Doctor of Music degree is from Florida State University where his primary teacher was the eminent Czech-American composer, Ladislav Kubik. Other notable composers that worked (on a limited basis) with Garber on his music include: Donald Erb, Libby Larsen, Nancy Van de Vate, and Ellen Taaffe Zwilich.

Composing career

Garber has composed numerous works for almost every genre, the most notable exceptions being opera. His music has been performed in many parts of the US as well as in Europe. For his compositions, he has been recognized and/or awarded from five national organizations.

He was named the "Tennessee Composer of the Year" by the Tennessee Music Teachers Association in 2002.

Teaching career

Performing career

Along with saxophonist Richard J. Scruggs, Garber is part of the Garber-Scruggs Duo. Garber has served as a church organist in Virginia, Florida, and Tennessee. He plays bassoon in the Knoxville Wind Symphony.

Partial works list

See: Ryan Garber works

Compositions on CD

Partial list of performers