Faculty & Staff

Longtime Chicago area freelance bassoonist Dianne Ryan is currently principal bassoon of New Philharmonic Orchestra, Elmhurst Symphony, Whiting Park Festival Orchestra, and Bach Cantata Vespers. She has performed with many midwestern symphonies, such as Peoria, Southwest Michigan, Northwest Indiana, Rockford, Illinois Symphony, and many more. In addition, Ms. Ryan has performed with pop artists such as The Beach Boys, Moody Blues, Ray Charles, Celtic Woman, Final Fantasy, and Mel Torme. She has toured Europe and Asia with the Chicago Chamber Orchestra and Chicago Symphonic Pops, and has been a featured soloist with New Philharmonic Orchestra and Elmhurst Symphony. She also enjoys playing in chamber ensembles, especially Chicago Bassoon Quartet.

An avid bassoon instructor, Ms. Ryan has been on the faculties of VanderCook College of Music, Elmhurst University, Harper College, Concordia University Chicago, and Merit School of Music. She frequently adjudicates concerto competitions, solo contests, and ILMEA auditions and has given many clinics for hosts that include Midwest Young Artists, Chicago Youth Orchestra, Butler Bassoon Day, Roanoke (VA) Youth Orchestra, and Bands of America.

Ms. Ryan earned Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in bassoon from Virginia Tech and Roosevelt University, followed by orchestral training with the Chicago Civic Orchestra.