Based in Toronto, Sam Ruttan is a jazz drummer and composer currently studying at York University. Having initially played piano, Sam switched to drums at a young age and began taking lessons privately. He continued to study through high school and played with several local big bands before deciding to pursue a degree in music.

While at York, Sam has had the privilege of studying with great Canadian musicians such as Barry Romberg, Lorne Lofsky, Anthony Michelli and Barry Elmes, with his primary focuses being on performance and composition. He has also attended masterclasses and seminars led by renowned musicians such as Chris Potter, Dennis Mackrel and Mike LeDonne. As a performer, he plays regularly at venues around Toronto, and has performed in festivals like the Barrie Jazz and Blues Festival, Huntsville’s Nuit Blanche North, and most recently the Toronto Undergraduate Jazz Festival. Sam also currently plays with the York University Jazz Orchestra and leads his own group, which focuses on performing original compositions and arrangements.