Dr. Bryan Wysocki

Biography

Dr. Bryan Wysocki (b. 1995) is a boundary-exploring percussionist, composer, conductor, and educator based in metro Atlanta. His artistic voice is rooted in curiosity and contrast, where defined structures meet intuitive spontaneity, and tradition confronts with the unexpected. With a compositional sound world shaped by improvisation, extended techniques, and a fondness for playful reference, Bryan’s work celebrates the beauty of imperfection and the joy of creative risk.

His original works are rooted in curiosity and contrast; where structure meets intuition, and traditions confront modernity. With a soundworld shaped by improvisation, extended techniques, and playfulness, Bryan’s work celebrates the beauty of imperfection and the joy of risk. His music has been performed by soloists and ensembles across the world, including the JACK Quartet, Flux Quartet, Spark Ensemble, Torch Ensemble, Mixed Media Saxophone Quartet, Clare Longendyke, and How Things Are Made.

As a percussionist, he moves seamlessly between realms; interpreting the nuance of orchestral repertoire, exploring the edges of new chamber music, and championing bold, genre-defying collaborations. He has given the world premiere of numerous works and thrives in environments where innovation is both the method and the message. He performs frequently with the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra, Georgia Symphony, Johns Creek Symphony Orchestra, and many other Atlanta-based orchestras.

He is also the founder, Executive Director, and Music Director/Conductor of the Atlanta Contemporary Music Collective, a 501(c)3 constellation of composers and musicians elevating Atlanta as a home for innovation in contemporary classical music. The Collective fosters  relationships between freelance composers, musicians, and audiences with adventurous programming and collaboration.

In addition to his artistic practice, Bryan is a dedicated educator and leader. He currently serves as Adjunct Professor of Percussion at Jacksonville State University and as Adjunct Professor of Percussion and Composition at the University of West Georgia, where he teaches applied lessons, coaches chamber music, and mentors student composers and performers. His teaching emphasizes exploration, deep listening, and creative agency, empowering students to find their own musical voices.

Bryan currently serves as Adjunct Professor of Percussion at Jacksonville State University (Jacksonville, AL) and Adjunct Professor of Percussion and Composition at the University of West Georgia (Carrollton, GA), where he nurtures the next generation of musical explorers. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Composition from Hofstra University, a Master of Music in Composition and a second Master of Music in Percussion from Georgia State University, and a Doctor of Musical Arts in Composition from the University of Georgia. His primary percussion teachers include Bob Snider, Stuart Gerber, Sean Ritenauer, and Montgomery Hatch. His composition teachers include Emily Koh, Peter Van Zandt Lane, Nickitas Demos, Chandler Carter, and Herbert Deutsch.

Across all aspects of his work, Bryan remains dedicated to creating and supporting music that is alive, inclusive, and ever-evolving - a reflection of both the world we live in and the one we hope to build. Originally from Chesapeake Beach, Maryland, he now lives in the suburbs of Atlanta with his wife, Jess, and their cat, Gravy.