Hailing from Seoul, South Korea, and having traversed various cities in the United States, Steve Ryu embarked on his musical journey fifteen years ago, discovering the soulful sounds of folk and rock from the ’60s and ’70s. This discovery sparked his passion for the guitar, leading him to pursue a Master of Arts in Music Composition from the California Institute of the Arts in 2018. Since settling in Ithaca, New York, in 2022, Steve has been captivating audiences across the Finger Lakes region with his folk-rock band project, where rhythmic guitar melodies intertwine with his dynamic vocals, weaving introspective narratives inspired by nature and his diverse life experiences. Beyond performing, Steve’s teaching philosophy transcends mere technicalities, aiming to nurture creativity, confidence, and the unique musical voices of students of all ages and skill levels. He fosters a supportive and inclusive learning environment, encouraging students to authentically express themselves and explore the universal language of music.