Ryan Beeken

Director of Choirs

Ryan Beeken is Director of Choirs and Professor of Music at the University of Kentucky, where he provides artistic leadership for the university’s choral program, conducts the UK Chorale and UK Men’s Chorus, and teaches graduate choral conducting and literature. His ensembles have performed at state, regional, and national conferences of the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) and the National Association for Music Education (NAfME). A frequent guest conductor, clinician, and adjudicator, Beeken has conducted over one hundred All-State and Honor Choirs throughout the United States and internationally. He recently completed service on the national executive committee of ACDA as National Chair for Student Membership and Student Chapter Development and has previously held leadership positions at the regional and state levels. Prior to joining the University of Kentucky, he served on the faculties of Wichita State University, Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Michigan State University, and Drake University. Before entering higher education, Beeken taught public school music for sixteen years, most recently as Director of Vocal Music for the Waukee Community School District in suburban Des Moines, Iowa, where he led a nationally recognized choral program.