Kathleen Ryan

Composer & Pianist

“notes resonating over the vast plains of the soul”

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“Ryan’s composing style is eclectic,
referencing jazz, contemporary classical, traditional classical,
and American folk songs and hymns.”

Frances Wilson, The Cross-Eyed Pianist

“Ryan paints in the impressionism of silence,
with notes resonating over the vast plains of the soul.
Tasteful & elegant
with just enough austerity to avoid sentimentality.

Echodiscs

Recordings

A Handfull of Quietness

“[Several] years ago, I heard a solo piano piece on NPR's "Echoes" from someone named Kathleen Ryan. It was the most hauntingly beautiful thing I have ever heard. ... I still think of that piece to this day. The thing that I recall most about it was the use of pauses—space—the pauses were as much a part of the music as were the notes. Beautiful.”
Under the Greenwood Tree

“I finally had a chance to sit down last night and relax at the piano.......thanks to your latest piece, "Love Like the Earth." It is simply GORGEOUS! Thank you for your music!”
“I love your music! It adds sanity to this world.”
Passages

“I’ve listened to this now completely tip2toe 5 times and I love every single one of them.”
“I have taken some time to digest your latest. To say thank you seems so inadequate. Passages is music for our time. This time right now. Not that it doesn’t speak of that timelessness that your compositions always seem to wrap around our hearts. All I can seem to say is Thank you for being the “soundtrack” of our lives! So very difficult to pick a favorite. Best yet!!!!!”
The Rebirth of Light

“One final note re O Holy Night, the only meaningful commentary that I could offer after experiencing your arrangement was utter silence. It is the most powerfully stilling arrangement of that piece that I've ever experienced. Thank you!!!”
Drivin’!

“I love your music. It makes my heart dance!”
Verbs

“This really is programme music at its very best. The descriptive verbs are entirely apposite. Kathleen is such a tunesmith, which when allied to Keith’s playing, has produced a winning combination.”