Could it be that the new era of “the choral entrepreneur” is what we need to save Choral Music? After the pandemic, we have seen a resurgence of enthusiasm for Choral Music amongst the already initiated. But, program enrollments are down, concert attendance is down, positions have been cut, and conference attendance has not recovered. It could be that we have entered a new era. An era where a Choral resurgence will depend upon people like Ryan Main and shows like this one. Colleagues with the willingness to leave the safety of institutional employment behind and make the case in the community for the value of Choral music. In this episode, Chris and Ryan discuss the various ways in which “entrepreneurship” can manifest itself in Fine Arts spaces. We discuss lessons learned in creating both non-profit and for profit Choral Music centered ventures. It’s time to make the case that “Choral Entrepreneur” doesn’t have to be a dirty word.

An award winning composer, his compositions are performed internationally and frequently featured at national and regional American Choral Directors Association Conferences, festivals, Carnegie Hall, and other events around the world.

Ryan holds a Master of Music in Music Composition and a Master of Music in Music Education from the Peabody Institute at Johns Hopkins University. He holds a Bachelor of Music in Music Composition from the University of Missouri – Kansas City’s Conservatory of Music and Dance.

Ryan is passionate about quality music education for all. He founded and serves as artistic and executive director of the Youth Chorus of Kansas City, a non-profit organization serving youth of all socio-economic and cultural backgrounds throughout the Kansas City metro area.

Ryan is a member of the American Choral Directors Association, the Missouri Choral Directors Association, the National Association for Music Education and the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers. He currently serves on the National Association for Music Education’s Council on Music Composition.

• Car Thoughts