Originally born in Seoul, South Korea, Ryan was adopted as a young child and grew up in New York. His path to music has been shaped by curiosity, discipline, and a love of connection – qualities that continue to guide his work on stage. He enjoys figure skating, hot pilates, cooking, and swimming, and values the balance that music and life outside music bring to one another. He shares his home with a cat named Sephora.

Ryan has appeared in a wide range of performance settings, from concert stages and recital halls to diplomatic events and special ceremonies. Recent highlights include performing at the 50th International Viola Congress in Paris, where he presented Canadian works alongside immersive visual landscapes from Canadian Geographic. He has also given a featured recital at the National Arts Centre with pianist Carson Becke, and was a finalist in the PRISMA Festival Concerto Competition.

As a chamber and orchestral musician, Ryan has performed for Prime Ministers Stephen Harper and Justin Trudeau, as well as for the Korean Cultural Centre and the Embassies of Spain, Finland, Germany, and France. He has served as Guest Principal of the Kingston Symphony and Principal of the Ottawa Pops Orchestra, and performs regularly with the Candlelight Series – appearing in more than 25 programs across Canada.

Recently appointed to the viola section of Symphony Nova Scotia, Ryan is excited for the 2026/27 season.

He holds a Master’s of Music from the University of Ottawa and a Bachelor’s degree from McGill University, having studied with Michael van der Sloot, Frédéric Lambert, and Andre Roy. Ryan performs on a viola crafted by Theo Marks.