Barron Ryan's love for music has always been divided. The son of two musicians, he grew up in a house filled with the sounds of artists ranging from Chopin to Michael Jackson. So when it comes to his own performing, he's not content drawing on just one influence. He combines them all into a musical adventure that's vintage yet fresh, historical yet hip, classic yet cool. After beginning piano lessons at age four with his father, Barron seemed destined for a career in music. He excelled in performing throughout his middle and high school years in Tulsa then continued to impress his peers and instructors as a piano performance major at The University of Oklahoma. Everything did not come up roses. Barron was rejected from all the music conservatories to which he applied. Disheartened, he briefly gave up on the piano in pursuit of a satirical hip-hop career. However, after winning the Oklahoma Israel Exchange Young Artist competition in 2011, the hip-hop project was graciously short-lived. Barron found his artistic voice on the Israel concert tour. He discovered the joy of jazz and ragtime found on his debut album, Classical with Attitude. Learning from great jazz pianists by replaying their solos, he pays homage to them on his latest album, The Masters' Apprentice. What's next? Wait and see, but rest assured in all Barron Ryan's music, Classic Meets Cool.