About Ryan
“Subtle and striking music, balancing lush fields of sound with areas of high rhythmic interest”
Bio
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Ryan Harvey is a composer, saxophonist, and bagpiper from Los Angeles, California. Ryan received his Bachelor’s of Music from Willamette University in May 2018, and is now pursuing a Master’s of Music in Composition at the University of California, Santa Cruz. His main compositional interests are the juxtaposition of language and music, as well as the creation of contemporary music that is also as accessible as possible. His compositions have won several contests in multiple countries, and several of his choral and vocal works are set to premiere in Spring 2020 by performing groups across the Pacific Northwest.
Education
University of California Santa Cruz: Santa Cruz, California
· Masters of Music in Composition; anticipated graduation June 2020
o Admitted for Fall 2018 quarter. Currently examining and expanding methods of experimental composition. Methods of inquiry include intensive score study of modern music, as well as beginning to study methods of generative composition such as MaxMSP and Supercollider. Additionally, significant care is taken to understand historical music and historical music inquiry.
Willamette University: Salem, Oregon August 2014-May 2018
· Bachelor of Music in Composition; received May 2018
o Intensive theoretical and compositional studies, culminating in the premiere of a twenty-minute-long work for chamber orchestra. Studies consisted not only of theoretical exercises, but also understanding the social and cultural implications of canonical and new music.
Granada Hills Charter High School: Granada Hills, California August 2010-May 2014
· Graduated Advanced Placement program with honors
Relevant Work Experience
University of California, Santa Cruz: Music Department
Teaching Assistant, Fall 2018
· Provided both generalized and specific class support for Dr. Tanya Merchant’s Women in Music course (MUSC 80S). Prepared the lecture hall for class on a daily basis, as well as assisted Dr. Merchant in daily class preparation. Gave both guest lectures on curriculum material and ran review sessions to supplement the lectures. Attended lectures daily. Met weekly with Dr. Merchant to discuss curriculum and class planning, as well as to work on professional development of teaching and classroom conduct. Handled all communication with students as well as all grading responsibilities and was partially responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of the Canvas website.
Teaching Assistant, Winter 2019
· Provided both generalized and specific class support for Dr. Warren Sack’s “Introduction to Digital Media” course (FILM 20c). Was responsible for facilitating discussion sections once a week to two classes of 20+ students, holding office hours, as well as grading all attendance, classwork, and several long-form essays. Attended daily lectures, was the primary contact for students in my section, and was partially responsible for the maintenance of the Canvas website.
Teaching Assistant, Spring 2019
· Provided both generalized and specific class support for Dr. Madison Heying’s “Sound in Art, Science, and the Environment” course (MUSC 80k). Attended daily lectures and held supplemental office hours in order to familiarize students with the technology necessary to perform well in the course. Was responsible for grading daily handwritten journal entries, as well as pieces of sound art produced by the students.
Willamette University
Stage Technician, January 2016 – May, 2018
· Set up and operated lighting and audio equipment. Run front-of-house sound mixing and facilitated live sound performances by providing amplification support. Provided basic lighting support, including lighting instrument maintenance.
Willowbrook Arts Camp
Music Teacher, Summer 2017
· Encouraged musical exploration through singing and hand percussion lessons with children 5-7. Developed curriculum and implemented music lessons on various woodwind instruments with children 8-18. Acted as musical director for the musicals put on at camp.