About
MMus, BMus (Hons)
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Freelance composer, copyist and engraver, arranger and orchestrator.
Ryan is trained and experienced, holding both Bachelor of Music (first class honours) and Master of Music degrees, during which time he studied with Anthony Ritchie, Jack Body, John Psathas, Michael Norris and Lyell Cresswell.
Ryan also works as a teacher (theory, composition and musicianship), conductor (Kristin School, Carmel College, North Shore Junior Orchestra) and instrumentalist. He also supervises music examinations for Trinity Guildhall. This diversity brings a wealth of invaluable knowledge, understanding and 'real' experience to all of his work.
Ryan has received various awards and acknowledgements, including a commendation at the 2006 NZSO/TODD Young Composer Awards for Unspoken Monologue; the Charles Begg Prize in Music (fourth year honours, overall excellence) and runner-up in the Lilburn Trust Prize in Music (composition excellence), both from Otago University in 2005; the J W M Speirs Memorial Prize in Choral Conducting from Otago University in 2003; and a commendation in the 2003 NZSSC Choral Writing Competition for Silken Night.
Copyist & Arranger
Past and present client list includes:
New Zealand Qualifications Authority
Alexandros Pappas (Composer, Greece)
New Zealand Choral Federation
New Zealand Symphony Orchestra
Alexey Kurkdjian Ogalla (Conductor & Arranger, Brazil)
Claire Cowan (Composer, NZ)
Southern Sinfonia (NZ)
Anthony Ritchie (Composer, NZ)
Bellbird Publications (NZ)
John Ritchie (Composer, NZ)
Maarire Goodall (Composer, NZ)
Scott Hunt (Film composer, USA)
Auckland Symphony Orchestra (NZ)
Auckland Youth Orchestra (NZ)
Rhian Sheehan (Sound artist, film composer NZ)
Marc Chesterman (Film composer, NZ)
Stephen Matthews (Composer, NZ)
Brently Ford / Waiheke Piano Trio (NZ)
Barbara Stroud (Song-writer, NZ)
North Shore Junior Orchestra (NZ)
University PhD research
School and university based ensembles
Composer
Music premiered, recorded or workshopped by ensembles such as:
New Zealand Symphony Orchestra
Gruppetto Quartet (Greece)
Southern Sinfonia (NZ)
Auckland Symphony Orchestra (NZ)
The Committee (NZ)
Marama Chamber Orchestra (NZ)
Dunedin Youth Orchestra (NZ)
Opononi Summer School (NZ)
North Shore Junior Orchestra (NZ)
Southern Consort of Singers (NZ)
Numerous solo artists and university based ensembles
Teacher
Ryan's offers specialist tuition, from beginner to advanced levels, in theory, musicianship and composition. He also tutors and demonstrates on the Sibelius notation software. Lessons are developed around each individual's creative and learning requirements, and Ryan is happy to discuss tuition with an existing instrumental or class teacher, ensuring the right direction for you or your child. Ryan offers all tuition as ongoing, one-off or several lesson formats (perfect for last minute exam prep or as catch-up lessons).
Ryan currently teaches theory and composition privately. In 2007 he taught musicianship classes at the Auckland University Academy of Music. He has tutored composition and the Sibelius notation software at the New Zealand School of Music and Otago University. Ryan has also for several years taught violin, viola, theory, composition, musicianship and the Sibelius notation software in various private and class contexts.
Conductor
Ryan has been involved with many concerts, workshops and recordings, working with orchestras, choirs and chamber ensembles. He has an expressive and clear style, whether working with classical or contempoary, children or professionals. He is available for recording, workshops, one-off rehearsals or on a long-term basis.
Ryan is currently involved with five Auckland school-based orchestras and is a regular conductor at the annual Opononi Summer School. In previous years he has been involved with film score recordings, musicals, and has worked with award-winning school orchestras, the Dunedin Youth Orchestra and the Counterpoint Ladies Choir.
Instrumentalist
Ryan has been involved with many ensembles primarily as a violist and violinist (including electric), but also as a percussionist, drummer and vocalist. He is available as a violist and/or violinist for live or studio session work. Orchestras he has played with include:
St Matthews Chamber Orchestra
Auckland Symphony Orchestra
University of Auckland Orchestra
New Zealand Secondary Schools Symphony Orchestra
NZ Korean Philharmonic Orchestra
North Shore Youth Orchestra
Dunedin Youth Orchestra
Formosa Chamber Orchestra
Orchestras for numerous stage productions
Ryan was also the founder of the 'Widow's Fiddlers' (Dunedin Irish band). Their engagements included balls, dance nights and similar functions.