Ryan Simmons

Ryan Simmons is the Second Bassoonist of the San Diego Symphony and Principal Bassoon with Orchestra Nova San Diego. He has previously held the positions of Associate Principal Bassoon with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, and Principal Bassoon with the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra.

Mr. Simmons has been dedicated to performing quality professional instrument repair for over a decade, earning accolades and top reviews from colleagues and customers all over the United States.

Ryan has spent years dedicating himself to the study and practice of woodwind instrument repair and refinishing. He has spent countless hours auditing repair workshops and learning from great instrument repairmen all over the country to refine his methods. He has researched the mechanisms and workings of woodwind instruments through literary and practical means, and it has given him a thorough understanding of each instrument’s special needs.

Mr. Simmons graduated with a degree in Classical Performance from the renowned Curtis Institute of Music, where he studied with Bernard Garfield. Prior to his studies at Curtis, other eminent instructors included Steven Maxym and Norman Herzberg. Ryan has participated in such festivals as Marlboro Music Festival, Tanglewood, Verbier, National Repertory Orchestra, Mainly Mozart, and La Jolla Summerfest among others. Additionally, Mr. Simmons has played on recordings for EMI, Sony, and can be heard in various television and movie recordings.