In his time as Musical Director for North Coast Dance (2005-2010), Ryan composed and produced music for two full-length original ballets, To Pluto and Back (2007) as well as Jack and the Beanstalk (2008), both choreographed by Danny Furlong. He also wrote, arranged, performed, and recorded music each year for their Spring Concerts, Children’s School performances, Summer Institutes, Fundraiser/Gala presentations, and more.
A new and interesting use for Ryan’s talents was discovered in 2010 when he provided the soundtrack for Aux Dog Theatre’s production of Picasso at The Lapin Agile on the accordion! Ryan conceived of and performed the score from backstage, making an appearance with the actors in the final scene. Combining new melodies and harmonies with quotes from Pink Floyd, Harold Arlen, and Leonard Cohen, among others, it was the perfect sonic backdrop to the fascinating, early-20th century, Parisian mood of the production, directed by Beth Welt.
Ryan’s keyboard playing and songwriting played a large role in numerous live performances and two studio releases by Albuquerque’s Square One Quintet in 2012 and 2014.
As Musical Director for NDI’s Albuquerque outreach program from 2012 to 2014, Ryan made many contributions as an arranger and composer, as well as bandleader for the 10-piece ensemble featured in their annual Spring performances.
Additionally, he has provided original work, arrangement, and musical editing for choreographer and artistic director Tara Debevec at NDI’s Dance Barns in Santa Fe since 2015.
Currently, Ryan is developing new original material and is working towards making music for film and television. Listen to the scores for To Pluto and Back & Jack and the Beanstalk in their entirety, as well as Ryan’s other original compositions for the stage and screen, on Soundcloud.