Ryan M. Camara is an acclaimed performing artists and award-winning educator and a dynamic presenter. Ryan specializes in the traditional and popular West African music, dance and culture  He received formal training in ethnomusicology as a student at Orange Coast College and UCLA and under went a traditional West African apprenticeship to Master Drummer M. Lamine Dibo Camara in Guinea, West Africa where he has studied since 1996.

Ryan has been adopted into the Camara family of the Susu ethnic group and has performed with many of West Africa’s most famous artists including members of Les Ballets Africains and The National Ballet Djoliba, in tours and appearances around the world. Ryan has numerous recordings to his credit including, Fore-Fote’s acclaimed,”Wonbere” and is co-author of “West African Drum and Dance: A Yankadi-Macrou Celebration” from Alfred Publishing.

 Ryan conducts workshops and lecture/demonstrations for major Universities, Jr. High and elementary schools, Percussive Arts Society Conferences, Music Educator Conferences and intensive workshops and retreats.  Ryan is currently an Adjunct Professor of Music at Southern Oregon University, Artist in Residence for the Arts Council of Southern Oregon and the Artistic Director of the non-profit cultural performance organization, Denbaya, Inc. Ryan is sponsored by Peripole-Bergerault professional and educational Percussion instruments and Alfred Publishing.

For more on Ryan M. Camara visit his website at www.ryancamara.com.