Ryan Block is a dynamic musician best known for his creative artistic vision and captivatingly emotional performances. He has spent the entirety of his career collaborating with others as a conductor, vocalist, collaborative pianist, and composer. Some of his recent accomplishments are having a world premiere with Cincinnati’s Vocal Art Ensemble, being a Professional Vocal Fellow with world-renowned vocal ensemble Gallicantus, and performing J.S. Bach’s St. Matthew Passion. Block is the recipient of Ruth and Raymond Young Prize (MCHaT Composition Competition), a Downbeat Award, as well as Grand Prix winner at the Monterey Jazz Festival and Kaunas Cantat International Choir Festival. He has headlined performances in the United States, Canada, and Europe and his voice can be heard on demo recordings from Alfred Music. He has also performed alongside a wide range of artists including Ben Folds, The Real Group, Randy Brecker, Kurt Elling, Voces8, New York Voices, and Chico Pinheiro. Ryan has also performed as a concertist on several occasions with The Philadelphia Orchestra under the direction of Yannick Nézet-Séguin. As a collaborative pianist, his name can be seen in MSVMA Regional and State Honors Choirs performances, as a former member of the pop/funk cover group Retro Pop Shuffle, as well as a staff member and accompanist for Showchoir Camps of America.

Education:

BFA: Jazz Studies - Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, Michigan (2014-18)

MM: Choral Conducting - University of Cincinnati: College-Conservatory of Music, Cincinnati, Ohio

DM: Choral Conducting - Indiana University: Jacobs School of Music (In Progress)