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

September 25, 2025

The University of Virginia’s College at Wise will host Voice Day on Thursday, September 25. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m., and the day will conclude with a choral concert at 5:30 p.m., directed by Dr. Hannah Wunsch Ryan, Director of Choral and Vocal Studies. This event is free and open to all high school voice students (grades 9–12). 

Throughout the day, students will:

  • Rehearse and perform in a festival choir led by Dr. Ryan
  • Take part in sectionals and ensemble workshops

Students also have the optional opportunity to:

  • Work one-on-one in optional vocal coaching sessions with UVA Wise Instructor Ryan Wardell
  • Audition for future music scholarships at UVA Wise

All participants will receive lunch, a festival t-shirt, and choral repertoire. High school directors are also invited to join the festival choir.

Students interested in vocal coaching or scholarship auditions should bring a well-prepared solo (musical theater or classical), in either digital or printed form.

The day will culminate in a public concert at 5:30 p.m. in Cantrell Banquet Hall, showcasing the music learned together.

Clinicians

Hannah Ryan

Hannah Wunsch Ryan, D.M.A is Associate Professor of Music and Director of Choral and Vocal Activities at UVA Wise where she directs the choral ensembles and teaches courses in conducting, vocal pedagogy, diction, choral literature, music history, and choral methods.

In addition to her choral conducting, Ryan has maintained an active performance career as soprano soloist both in the United States and internationally, with recent performances in Vienna (Austria), Montreal and Quebec City (Quebec), and Guayaquil (Ecuador). Ryan has been a featured presenter, clinician, and director at conferences and honors choirs across the country.

Dr. 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 two children.