Rate My Professor Peter Ryan

Peter Ryan, D.M.A., serves as Associate Professor of Music and Division of Music Coordinator at The University of Virginia’s College at Wise within the Department of Visual and Performing Arts. He teaches piano and music theory, coordinates the Piano and Music Theory programs, and oversees the Division of Music, which delivers pre-professional undergraduate training in performance, teaching, and theory aligned with National Association of Schools of Music standards. Ryan teaches most of the piano courses at the institution, which achieved All-Steinway School status in 2021. His educational background comprises a Doctor of Musical Arts and Master of Music from the University of Colorado at Boulder, and a Bachelor of Music from the University of Florida. He studied with esteemed piano instructors Jennifer Hayghe, Doris Pridonoff Lehnert, Elizabeth Pridonoff, and Kevin Sharpe. Before academia, Ryan served as an Infantry Mortarman in the United States Marine Corps from 2004 to 2008.

Peter Ryan's research and performing interests focus on underperformed repertoire and underrepresented composers. He has delivered concerts in the Czech Republic, Austria, Ecuador, Quebec, and across the United States. As Principal Pianist with the Johnson City Symphony Orchestra, he has performed works such as Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 5. Ryan co-directs the Appalachian Music Project at UVA Wise with his wife, Hannah Wunsch Ryan, Director of Choral and Vocal Activities. He contributes to university governance as a Faculty Senate representative for Visual and Performing Arts and as a member of the Academic Appeals Committee through 2026. His office is in Gilliam 133, with phone 276-376-4519. Ryan resides in Wise, Virginia.