A native of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Heather Ryan-Christie earned her Bachelor of Music Education in instrumental music from the University of Tulsa, where she studied with Kristi Sturgeon. She earned her M.A. in music with an emphasis in clarinet performance from Washington State University, where her teacher was Shannon Scott. She is currently pursuing a D.M.A. in clarinet performance at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln under the tutelage of Diane Barger.
An avid performer, Ryan-Christie has participated in numerous large ensembles and chamber groups during her university studies and professionally. While at Washington State, she was the tenured second clarinetist for the Washington Idaho Symphony and substituted in other local orchestras and ensembles.
With over a decade of clarinet teaching experience, Ryan-Christie has been invited to give masterclasses and has worked with students through solo and chamber ensemble coaching. She is a firm believer in having high expectations for her students, but only with great compassion for each student’s individual journey. She meets her students where they are and strives to strike a balance between motivation and constructive criticism within a safe learning environment.
Her recent scholarly interests include current and innovative pedagogical practices with an emphasis on learning practices for the diverse student. She is also interested in music of travelers, especially Romani clarinet style, the topic of her master’s degree research.
Outside of music, Ryan-Christie enjoys reading, exploring the natural beauty of the earth, and spending time with her husband, Caleb, and their dog, Jake.