Feb. 20, 2025
Our Speaker this week is Ryan Main, Artistic & Executive Director, Youth Chorus of Kansas City.

Ryan Main is the founder and artistic director of the Youth Chorus of Kansas City (YCKC), a nationally recognized non-profit organization dedicated to providing transformative choral experiences for young singers throughout the Kansas City metro area. Since its founding in 2017, YCKC has grown from a single choir of 20 students to an organization serving over 140 singers annually. Under Ryan’s leadership, YCKC has expanded its programs, developed partnerships with local schools, and established itself as a premier choral ensemble, offering exceptional music education to students of all backgrounds.
A passionate advocate for accessibility in the arts, Ryan has designed YCKC to be a welcoming and inclusive space where students develop their musical skills, build lifelong friendships, and experience the power of collective artistry. Through a focus on high-quality instruction, community engagement, and meaningful performances—including collaborations with professional ensembles such as Spire Chamber Choir and the Kansas City Chorale—YCKC has become a vital part of the region’s cultural landscape. This June, YCKC will travel to Carnegie Hall for a featured performance, marking a milestone achievement for the organization and a life-changing experience for its young singers.
Beyond his work with YCKC, Ryan is an award-winning composer, clinician, and speaker. His compositions have been performed in 34 countries and across the United States, frequently featured at American Choral Directors Association conferences, Carnegie Hall, and international music festivals. With over 30 titles in 100 voicings published, his music is regularly recognized by J.W. Pepper’s Editor’s Choice and Stanton’s 5-star feature selections. Ryan is also in demand as an honor choir director and presenter, sharing insights on choral leadership, engagement strategies, and composition.
A native of Independence, Missouri, Ryan holds dual Master of Music degrees in Music Composition and Music Education from the Peabody Institute at Johns Hopkins University, as well as a Bachelor of Music in Music Composition from the University of Missouri–Kansas City’s Conservatory of Music and Dance. Committed to supporting young composers, he mentors aspiring artists across the country and serves on the National Association for Music Education’s Council on Music Composition.
Ryan’s work with YCKC reflects his lifelong commitment to excellence in music education, ensuring that every child—regardless of background—has the opportunity to experience the joy and enrichment of choral singing.
A passionate advocate for accessibility in the arts, Ryan has designed YCKC to be a welcoming and inclusive space where students develop their musical skills, build lifelong friendships, and experience the power of collective artistry. Through a focus on high-quality instruction, community engagement, and meaningful performances—including collaborations with professional ensembles such as Spire Chamber Choir and the Kansas City Chorale—YCKC has become a vital part of the region’s cultural landscape. This June, YCKC will travel to Carnegie Hall for a featured performance, marking a milestone achievement for the organization and a life-changing experience for its young singers.
Beyond his work with YCKC, Ryan is an award-winning composer, clinician, and speaker. His compositions have been performed in 34 countries and across the United States, frequently featured at American Choral Directors Association conferences, Carnegie Hall, and international music festivals. With over 30 titles in 100 voicings published, his music is regularly recognized by J.W. Pepper’s Editor’s Choice and Stanton’s 5-star feature selections. Ryan is also in demand as an honor choir director and presenter, sharing insights on choral leadership, engagement strategies, and composition.
A native of Independence, Missouri, Ryan holds dual Master of Music degrees in Music Composition and Music Education from the Peabody Institute at Johns Hopkins University, as well as a Bachelor of Music in Music Composition from the University of Missouri–Kansas City’s Conservatory of Music and Dance. Committed to supporting young composers, he mentors aspiring artists across the country and serves on the National Association for Music Education’s Council on Music Composition.
Ryan’s work with YCKC reflects his lifelong commitment to excellence in music education, ensuring that every child—regardless of background—has the opportunity to experience the joy and enrichment of choral singing.