Can you tell me your favorite song? If so, chances are you could also tell me when you first heard it and what you were doing. This is the “spark” that music ignites in people.
And it is precisely that spark that Life by Music wants to nourish in youth and veterans in the Vegas area.
Ryan Patrick Boylan is the guitarist and co-founder of the band OTHERWISE and the creator of Life by Music, AKA LBM.

The Genesis
“Life by Music started as a motto that we would use as inspiration and motivation, kinda like a call to arms. …We’re gonna get signed one day. We’re gonna go tour… we’re gonna be on the radio. Life by music!” Ryan explains excitedly.
Ryan and his co-founder brother, Adrian, got exactly what they were seeking. OTHERWISE was signed. They toured, got on the radio, put out CDs, and lived the rockstar lifestyle. “After we did those things, we realized that we wanted to do more with our music and not just do the show, sleep, drink, party, show, drink, sleep, party… all the things that come with rock and roll. We realized that we wanted to make an impact on this planet.”
OTHERWISE is currently taking a break from touring and working on new music, giving Ryan time to expand the reach of LBM.
Life by Music was initially aimed to assist at-risk and low-income youth. The goal was to bring instruments to schools and give children a positive, healthy outlet for their time.
From Motto to Nonprofit
The journey started with the Boys & Girls Club in 2016. OTHERWISE hosted 12 kids to an acoustic set. The kids were allowed to walk around the stage area, learn music, and draw and paint guitars. They got a taste of the music lifestyle. It was this pivotal event that helped shift Life by Music from motto to 501(c).
Since then, LBM has expanded its reach to include grade, middle, and high schools. They introduce kids to the guitar and other instruments, educating them on the power of music, all to derive that spark.
LBM’s objective isn’t to produce future musicians; it’s to give that feeling of release, joy, and creativity that music can evoke. What kids do with that joy is their own journey. Music is a pathway to different ways of seeing the world, regardless of whether the student becomes a musician, writer, painter, or CEO.

That is not to say that LBM has not provided tangible resources. To date, Ryan has hand-delivered 300 guitars to classrooms through LBM. LBM has also created a coloring book called Guitar Magic. In the book, each guitar chord refers to a character: the A chord is “Attitude Alligator,” the B chord is “Bravery Bear,” etc. The book lets kids aged 5-9 learn to play guitar while reading inspirational poems.
“It’s just a way for the kids to really get the educational aspect of beginner guitar in their mind,” Ryan says.
Extending the reach
Recently, LBM has extended its support to veterans within the valley. Working with the VA, Ryan and LBM created a 6-week guitar-playing and songwriting program called Shoulder to Shoulder for Vegas veterans.
“Music is this tool that can help with PTSD, collaboration… giving them a chance to spend time with each other and get out to learn something empowering.”
Ryan looks and plays like a rock star because he IS a rock star. Any musician can form a 501(c) seemingly overnight, but they often have no real skin in the game. Accountants run the nonprofits’ books, and the rockstar gets the glory without actually doing anything.
Ryan stands out as the exception. He’s committed to his cause, which is refreshing and rare for someone of his stature. He personally participates in LBM programs and throws events to support his charity.

If you would like to donate or get your organization involved with Life by Music, reach out to Ryan directly at connect.lifebymusic@gmail.com.