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 UVA Wise Voice Day will be held on Thursday, September 25 with registration opening at 8:30 a.m., and the day’s events concluding with a choral concert directed by UVA Wise Director of Choral and Vocal Studies Associate Professor Hannah Wunsch Ryan at 5:30 pm.
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 Ryan 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 Hannah Wunsch Ryan.
Singers should bring their solo piece for masterclass/scholarship auditions in either physical or digital form. Students who choose to perform in the solo master class should be well-prepared.
Clinicians
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.