Ryan Downey

Style: Pop; Opera; Jazz; Folk; Rock; Classical; Musical Theatre

Bio:

My teaching is student-focused in the sense that it pushes students of all backgrounds to find their voices through self-discovery and self-evaluation. But because I believe music should venture beyond the voice studio, I have adopted a teaching philosophy that extends past conventional academic boundaries. Through an additional focus on mentorship and community outside of the vocal studio, I aim to demonstrate music's presence as an ever-evolving social commentary relevant to a wide range of interests, rather than a rigid symbol of the past.

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Dr. Ryan Downey (bass-baritone) graduated with highest honors from Arizona State University, receiving his Bachelor’s in Voice Performance. He received his Master of Music degree in Voice Performance from the Cleveland Institute of Music, where he won the Elizabeth Stoeckler Stevens Prize in German Lieder. Over the years, he had the opportunity to work and coach with Michael Tilson Thomas, Warren Jones, Lori Laitman, and George Darden. Throughout his career, Dr. Downey has performed roles in Così fan tutte, Ariadne auf Naxos, La traviata, Gianni Schicchi, Le nozze di Figaro, Die Zauberflöte, Don Giovanni, Handel’s Serse, and Gallantry.

Ryan was recently awarded a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in which he explored performances of Duke Ellington's First Sacred Concert in Phoenix, Arizona. The project was a culmination of archival research from collections throughout Arizona and the National Museum of American History in Washington, D.C.

He has sung with the GRAMMY Award-Winning Phoenix Chorale, GRAMMY nominated True Concord Voices and Orchestra, Arizona Opera Chorus, American Bach Soloists, Oregon Bach Festival, and Trinity Cathedral Choir and has taught voice in private and collegiate voice studios.

Voice Type: Baritone

Music Styles Taught: Pop; Opera; Jazz; Folk; Rock; Classical; Musical Theatre

Availability: I have a wait-list for private lessons

Contact Information