About me
Ryan Smalley is a bass trombonist based in Austin, Texas, currently pursuing graduate studies at the University of Texas at Austin, where he studies with Dr. Nathaniel Brickens. From 2024–2026, he served as the Visiting Third Trombonist of the Kaizen Quartet, further expanding his chamber music experience and collaborative artistry.
Smalley previously earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Central Arkansas, where he studied with Dr. Justin Cook and performed as Principal Bass Trombone of the Wind Ensemble. He has held positions with a variety of ensembles, including the Butler School of Music Wind Ensemble, Orchestra, and Opera Orchestra, as well as the Lawton Philharmonic Orchestra, Conway Symphony Orchestra and San Gabriel Chorale Chamber Orchestra.
An active performer in both orchestral and chamber settings, Smalley has appeared at major festivals and conferences including the American Trombone Workshop, International Trombone Festival, Texas Music Educators Association Convention, and the College Band Directors National Association Conference. He was a finalist in the 2026 American Trombone Workshop Solo Competition and the 2025 Southeast Trombone Symposium Excerpt Competition.
Smalley has also performed with the Arkansas Musicworks Brass Band, earning silver medals at the North American Brass Band Association Championships. He can be heard on the albums Sempre Avanti recorded by the University of Central Arkansas Natural Slides, and Sword of Orion recorded by the University of Texas at Austin Trombone Choir. His additional studies include work with prominent artists such as Douglas Yeo, Brian Hecht, Colin Williams, and Bill Thomas, among others.
As a performer, Smalley is committed to versatility across orchestral, wind ensemble, and chamber repertoire, with a focus on developing a distinct and compelling voice for the bass trombone. He also makes it a mission to commission new original works for bass trombone, most recently Event Horizon composed by Dr. Christopher Sharpe, Assistant Professor of Trombone at Murray State University.