Dr. Ryan Smit is the director of choral activities at Ƶ, where he has served since 2017. He is also the chair of the music department and has served as vocal coach and orchestra director for several Ƶmusicals.
In addition to his role at Dordt, Dr. Smit is an active conductor and clinician, having been invited to lead choral festivals and workshops across the U.S. and internationally.
His research interests and expertise lie in choral music education and the role of choirs in church worship. He composed the choral piece "Soli Deo Gloria" for the Ƶchoirs in 2021.
Dr. Smit is invested in serving college-age singers as they develop a higher level of choral skills. “I am deeply grateful to do this at an institution that proclaims the lordship of Christ in all areas of life,” adds Dr. Smit.
Before joining Dordt, Dr. Smit taught at Mountain Ridge High School in Glendale, Arizona, and Lynden Christian School in Lynden, Washington. He also served as the artistic director of the Bellingham Chamber Chorale for seven years. Additionally, Dr. Smit’s professional experience includes six seasons as a tenor with the Grammy-winning Phoenix Chorale.
Education:
- D.M.A. in Choral Conducting, North Dakota State University.
- M.M. in Choral Music Education, Arizona State University.
- B.A. in Choral and Instrumental Music Education, Ƶ.