Soren Ryssdal

ABOUT:

Hi! I’m Soren Ryssdal, a student at Northwestern University majoring in Vocal Performance and Arts Administration. I’m classically trained in vocal performance and have extensive experience across a wide range of genres, including musical theater, pop, jazz, songwriting, and contemporary styles.

I’ve had the opportunity to perform with leading organizations such as the Los Angeles Opera and the Los Angeles Philharmonic, appearing at world-renowned venues like the Hollywood Bowl, Walt Disney Concert Hall, and the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion. My work has been recognized with honors including the Los Angeles Music Center Spotlight Merit Award, semifinalist in the Hal Leonard Vocal Competition, and Top 40 Finalist for the American Songbook Academy.

At Northwestern, I’ve performed in productions such as Little Shop of Horrors, Once, Green Room, The Magic Flute, SHIMMER (a new musical), and 35MM. As Music Director of my a cappella group, THUNK, I’ve gained valuable experience in musical leadership and ensemble coaching.

I’m passionate about the art of performance and committed to helping others grow in their musical journey. I’d love the opportunity to work with you!

TEACHING STYLE:

In our first lesson, I like to begin with a conversation about your goals — both short-term and long-term — so I can better understand what you’re hoping to gain from our work together. Whether you’re preparing for auditions, exploring a new genre, or simply looking to build confidence and technique, it’s important to me that your lessons are purposeful and personalized.

After our initial discussion, I’ll guide you through a thorough vocal evaluation to assess your range, current skill level, and any previous training or experience you’ve had. This helps me tailor our approach specifically to your voice, learning style, and musical interests. From technique and repertoire to performance coaching and musicianship, everything we do will be designed to support your unique growth as a singer.

CURRICULUM:

For students pursuing classical vocal performance, I typically begin with Schirmer’s Library of Musical Classics: 24 Italian Songs and Arias. It’s a trusted and foundational collection that introduces essential elements of technique, phrasing, diction, and style within the classical tradition. From there, we often move into more advanced repertoire such as German Lieder, French mélodie, and standard arias, depending on the student’s progress and vocal development.

When working with students interested in other genres — including musical theater, pop, rock, or jazz — I take a highly individualized approach. Rather than relying on a single method or text, I evaluate each student’s vocal ability, stylistic interests, and technical needs to select repertoire and exercises that are both appropriate and engaging. This could include selections from the Musical Theatre Anthology series, contemporary pop charts, or original student compositions for singer-songwriters.

In all styles, I emphasize healthy vocal technique, musical expression, and stylistic authenticity. I incorporate sight-singing, IPA and lyric diction, and ear training when relevant, and I often pull from a variety of resources, including voice science-informed exercises to support efficient and sustainable vocal growth.