Michael Ryan

Michael  Ryan is a devoted guitarist who received his B.A. from the University  of La Verne in music with an emphasis on classical guitar. Ryan  furthered his studies at California State University, Chico where he  received an M.A. in vocal performance. Serving  as a Department Associate and Senior Adjunct Professor of Music at the  University of La Verne, Michael teaches private guitar instruction,  classical guitar, chamber music, and songwriting. 

Michael’s  compositions are influenced by a rich heritage of classical, flamenco,  Latin, and Irish musical traditions. His unique musical landscapes draw  from these sources, centered in the beautiful, expressive sound of the  classical guitar. The romantic and passionate music performed by the  classical guitarist evokes a wide range of moods. 

Because of his gifted commitment to his art, Michael performs regularly throughout Europe and the United States. Every summer, Michael travels to Germany to perform at a medieval / renaissance festival. Locally, he performs five times a week at the Candlelight Pavilion Dinner Theater in Claremont, serving as the pre-show guitarist, while also performing every Thursday night at Walters Restaurant in the Claremont Village.  

Michael has produced a variety of concerts with an ensemble of musicians and dancers, often also performing himself. Some of these productions include Gypsy Passion, Spirit of Ireland, and Brazilian Nights. Additionally, Michael is a voting member of the Recording Academy (Grammy’s) and the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP). 

Photography by Althea Sachs 

MICHAEL RYAN music selections

1.  Zambra     from the release Michael Ryan and Ken Soderlund Carnaval De Guitarras 2005

2.  Ain’t Nobody’s Business from the release Guitar By Candlelight Michael Ryan 2013

3.  Rondo from the release Michael Ryan Romance 1998  

4.  Both Sides the Tweed (M. Ryan – guitar & vocals, Hai Muradian (See Hai  Muradian and The Ravelers)

flute, backup vocals) from Spirit of Ireland 2013