Artistic Director

Dr. Ryan R Brown

Dr. Ryan R. Brown is a conductor, baritone, and educator praised for his evocative conducting, versatile vocalism, and collaborative leadership. Grounded in both technical clarity, vocal artistry, and expressive communication, he is committed to creating rehearsal spaces that are focused, artistically rich, and deeply human.

In addition to his role as Artistic Director of the Laguna Beach Chamber Singers, he serves as Director of Choral Activities at Chapman University where he curates programs that bridge academic rigor with community engagement and professional-level artistry. He values collaboration, not just as a concept, but as a vital 21st-century skill—and actively works to connect his singers with a wide range of musical opportunities.

His formative training at Westminster Choir College laid the groundwork for his artistic identity. Surrounded by dedicated peers and inspiring mentors, he immersed himself in a musically demanding environment that emphasized vocal technique, ensemble sensitivity, and communication. Singing regularly with ensembles such as the New York Philharmonic and Philadelphia Orchestra, and receiving training in diction, opera, and cross-disciplinary performance, Brown cultivated a musical voice that is both expressive and adaptable. These experiences also deepened his focus on chamber ensemble artistry—shaping his belief in the power of small ensemble singing as a foundation for musical growth, flexibility, and communication.

In rehearsal, he is known for his ability to draw out vocal color, resonance, and emotional nuance through gesture, modeling, and clear instruction. He is particularly passionate about teaching conductors and working with music educators and music education students, drawing on his own background as a mentor and advocate for the next generation of artist-teachers. He is currently developing a publication based on his teaching model, Show it, Sing it, Say it, which integrates physical demonstration, vocal example, and precise language to support expressive and efficient rehearsal practices.

He has held previous appointments at UCLA’s Herb Alpert School of Music, Lone Star College–University Park, California School of the Arts – San Gabriel Valley, and the National Children’s Chorus. While at CSarts-SGV, he collaborated with LA Opera Connects on the premiere of Another Perfect Day, preparing students to perform in a fully staged atonal opera—an ambitious and rewarding artistic experience.

As a lyric baritone, Brown has appeared as a soloist with the Philadelphia Orchestra and New Haven Symphony Orchestra, and performs regularly with ensembles including the Los Angeles Master Chorale, Houston Chamber Choir, Red Shift, and CONCORA. He is especially passionate about 21st-century oratorio and cantata and has performed in works such as Matsukaze, Two Streams, Mass for the Endangered, and the Grammy-winning The Passion of Yeshua. He believes strongly in cross-training classical singers across disciplines and styles to meet the evolving demands of the field.

Brown earned MM and DMA degrees in Choral Conducting from UCLA, where his doctoral research focused on Craig Hella Johnson’s Considering Matthew Shepard and the role of contemporary oratorio in addressing identity, justice, and community through music—centered on storytelling as a primary tool for emotional impact, reflection, and lasting resonance.

He also serves as a Teaching Artist for the internationally acclaimed VOCES8 Foundation, contributing to global music education initiatives and occasionally working with young musicians from around the world. This role reflects his belief in the value of international collaboration and shared learning across cultures.

He lives in Long Beach, California, with his two dogs, Rocko and Treble.