Music Masterclass Series

The University of Virginia’s College at Wise Division of Music is proud to host the Masterclass Series offering distinct opportunities for students to visit our beautiful campus and participate in small group instructional sessions with world-class experts on their instruments.

Music Masterclass Series: Voice Day

October 10, 2024

The UVA Wise Voice Day will be held on Thursday, October 10 with registration opening at 8:30 a.m., and the day’s events concluding with a choral concert directed by guest clinician Nicole Mattfeld at 5:30 p.m.

All high school (grades 9-12) voice students are invited to participate in this free event. Over the course of the day, students will participate in level-appropriate masterclasses, sectionals, and ensemble rehearsal with Maestra Mattfeld and UVA Wise voice instructor Ryan Wardell. Lunch, choral repertoire, and a t-shirt will be provided for all participants. High School Directors are invited to participate in the festival choir.

Students will begin the day with an optional opportunity to work with guest clinicians on a solo piece (prepared ahead of time) in the master classes focusing on musical theater or classical style. (Students who do not wish to perform may observe the master classes.) Later, students will learn choral music in sectionals and ensemble rehearsals. Students will also have the opportunity to audition for a future music scholarship at UVA Wise. The day will culminate in a choral performance at 5:30 pm, directed by Nicole Mattfeld.

Singers should bring their solo piece for masterclass/scholarship auditions in either physical or digital form.

Clinicians

Nicole Mattfeld is Director of Choirs and Assistant Professor of Music at Alma College in Michigan, where she conducts the Alma Choir, College Chorale, and Alma A Cappella. She also teaches conducting, music education courses, and voice lessons. Prior to Alma College, Nicole was Assistant Professor of Music at Bethel University, the Director of Youth Choirs for Minnesota Chorale, Artistic Director & Conductor of Minnesota Center Chorale, Chorus Director for Central Lakes Symphony Orchestra, and Director of Bella Fiore with Sing Out Loud. Before this, she taught middle school and high school choir and also worked as a hospice therapeutic musician. Nicole is finishing her dissertation for a Doctorate of Music Education from Liberty University's School of Music. She holds a Master of Music with a Conducting Specialization from Colorado State University and a Bachelor of Fine Arts in K-12 Choral Music Education from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. She has studied under the mentorship of Maestro Wes Kenney, Dr. Rebecca Phillips, Dr. James Kim, Dr. Sharon Hansen, and Dr. Valerie Errante.

She has held positions on the Minnesota Music Educators Association and American Choral Directors Association of MN boards. Nicole has presented choirs at festivals and conferences in Minnesota, North Dakota, and Iowa. Her voice students have been awarded state and regional awards, and have pursued careers as professional musicians and music educators. Nicole is active in the Midwest as a guest conductor and adjudicator at music festivals and conferences. As a trained coloratura soprano, Nicole has performed with Opera Fort Collins, Central Lakes Symphony Orchestra and Chorale, Kantorei, Fargo-Moorhead Choral Artists, Minnesota Renaissance Choir, and Chant Claire. She is a proud member of the American Choral Directors Association, Chorus America, the National Collegiate Choral Organization, the National Association for Music Education, and the National Association of Teachers of Singing.

Dr. Hannah Wunsch Ryan is Associate Professor of Music and Director of Choral and Vocal Activities at the University of Virginia’s College at Wise where she directs three choral ensembles and teaches courses in conducting, vocal pedagogy, diction, choral literature, music history, and choral methods.

Her doctoral research focused on two areas: Maddalena Casulana and teaching healthy vocal pedagogy in the choral classroom. Prior to her appointment at UVA Wise, Ryan conducted a number of ensembles at the University of Colorado, and was the Artistic Director of multiple community-based ensembles. Ryan is currently Communications Director of Virginia ACDA, and has been a featured presenter, clinician, and director at conferences and honors choirs across the country.

Ryan holds a B.A. in Vocal Performance from Gustavus Adolphus College, and an M.M. in Choral Conducting and Vocal Performance/Pedagogy and a D.M.A. In Choral Conducting and Literature from the University of Colorado in Boulder. She lives in Wise, VA, with her husband, pianist Peter Ryan, and two children.