BIO

Based in Toronto, Ontario, Sam Ruttan is currently working on his masters degree in music composition at York University. Having initially studied piano at a young age, Sam switched to playing drums at age 9 and began taking lessons privately, learning the fundamentals of the instrument and developing a versatile set of skills in a range of styles. He began playing in bands and performing almost immediately after, and later benefited from an excellent high school music program that inspired him to continue pursuing music after graduating. By age 18 he was the drummer of two local big bands, had played with concert bands and drumlines both in Canada and abroad, and had made appearances with the Huronia Symphony Orchestra and the York Chamber Ensemble as a percussionist/timpanist.

Having decided to continue pursuing jazz after high school, Sam was accepted into York University’s music program in 2015. Since then he has had the chance to learn from many of Canada’s top musicians. He has studied privately with drummer Barry Romberg, and played in performance ensembles led by Kelly Jefferson, Anthony Michelli, Lorne Lofsky, Frank Falco, and Roy Patterson. In addition, Sam has attended master classes and seminars led by world-class jazz musicians such as Chris Potter and Mike LeDonne, as well as famous drummers like Robert “Sput” Searight, Horacio Hernandez, and former Count Basie drummer Dennis Mackrel.

As a performer, Sam has gained experience as a side man playing with other young Toronto musicians and gigging regularly around the city. He has also performed in festivals around Ontario, including Barrie’s Jazz and Blues Festival, Huntsville’s Nuit Blanche North, Toronto’s St. Clair Street Festival, and the Toronto Undergraduate Jazz Festival.