Ryan Kiernan

\\ LA based composer/arranger, multi-instrumentalist, producer, and songwriter //

ryan kiernan

bio//

Ryan is working in LA as a freelance performer, composer, arranger, instrumentalist, and producer. They graduated from the University of Southern California in 2023 with a Bachelors in Jazz Studies. Ryan has studied with Vince Mendoza, Bob Mintzer, Jon Hatamiya, and Russell Ferrante.

They were awarded a grant through West Hollywood Arts to realized their project "Aberrant" for chamber orchestra in March 2025. In addition they have been awarded 1st place in the 2022 ASMAC Bill Conti Composition Award, as well as recognized in DownBeat magazine.

They are life-consumingly passionate about music in every facet and genre, and the intersectional nature of the arts and creativity broadly. Grounded in the rich past of music, but interested in pushing boundaries, breaking genres, and advancing music forward. Eager to create uniquely and independently, as well as contribute to the music of others in as meaningfully and impactful as possible.

Ryan is the current resident composer and arranger (previously Jon Hatamiya) for the Fernando Pullum Community Arts Center, and also regularly arranges for the drag laureate of West Hollywood, Pickle.

As a performer, Ryan has worked with Bob Mintzer’s Big Band, Jon Hatamiya’s Big Band, the New York Chillharmonic, BLOW brass band, WeHo’s drag laureate Pickle, in addition to several more LA based ensembles.

ABERRANT
Out on Bandcamp May 2nd 2025

"Aberrant" is a 4 movement collection of music written by Ryan Kiernan, chronicling their experiences and emotions with being queer and trans. Written for a chamber orchestra of 13 strings, 3 woodwinds, 3 brass, piano, vibraphone, and drum set, and performed 3/28/25 in West Hollywood

#Bandcamp:

https://ryankiernan.bandcamp.com/album/aberrant