Ronny johnston

INDEPENDENT ARTIST and EDUCATOR

Ronny Johnston is a seasoned drummer and percussionist with over 25 years of teaching experience in drumset, drumline, and percussion.

A standout in acclaimed Bay Area school band programs, he excelled in concert, marching, and jazz ensembles from elementary through high school—earning selection to both County and State Honor Bands, along with high honors in all competitions. This recognition led to high school and college scholarships, culminating in his studies in percussion and music performance at Cal State Hayward (now Cal State East Bay) under renowned instructor Artie Storch, followed by further training at San Jose State University with distinguished percussionist Gaelen Lemmon.

Beginning in college, Ronny taught private lessons and instructed high school drumlines. His versatile performance career spans classical percussion and mallets, musicals, opera, symphonic/concert bands, and extensive drumset work across genres including rock, pop, jazz, metal, reggae, ska, and Latin styles (samba, bossa nova, Afro-Cuban songo, and more).

He has performed at prestigious Bay Area venues such as Davies Symphony Hall, The Flint Center, and local clubs like The Rock Bar, The Avalon, The VooDoo lounge, The Cactus Club etc, as well as notable events including the San Jose Jazz Festival, North Sea Jazz Festival, Gilroy Garlic Festival, and Morgan Hill Mushroom Mardi Gras. Additional highlights include appearances at The Knitting Factory (LA) and various corporate gigs for companies like Adobe, Whole Foods, and IBM.

Passionate about sharing his expertise, Ronny brings decades of real-world playing and proven teaching success to inspire the next generation of drummers.