Born in Leningrad, USSR on July 24, 1962, Andrei Ryabov was inspired by The Beatles and other classic rock groups to begin guitar lessons at the age of eleven.

In 1989, he became a faculty member at the Mussorgsky College of Music, teaching guitar, jazz improvisation and theory, as well as giving master classes and workshops around the country.

He had a chance to meet and play with Dave Brubeck, David Friesen, Dusko Goykovich, Joe Pass, John Stowell, Roger Frampton, Sal Nistico and Richie Cole, with whom he'd recorded Leningrad Alto Madness while touring in Russia in 1989.

In June 1992, Andrei Ryabov came to the United States and for two years settled in western Massachusetts, performing at festivals, jazz clubs, and colleges.

In New York he played with Richie Cole, Craig Handy, Gene Bertoncini, Hubert Laws, Jack Wilkins, Paul Bollenback, Peter Bernstein, Sergio Brandao, and Vic Juris.