Visual and Performing Arts Major Ryan Finneran-Gallagher ’21 has won state and regional rounds of the annual National Association of Teachers of Singing Vocal Competition.
“I’ve had the joy of working with Ryan for the past three years at Worcester State,” says Music Professor Julie Krugman. “He is such a talented and driven musician and actor and is well deserving of all the accolades he has received this year. As a VPA student with a concentration in theater, all of our music lessons have focused on Broadway songs and I think it has really paid off for him.”
Finneran-Gallagher competed at The New England Conservatory in Boston in early March for the Massachusetts title in the College Musical Theater Division. After Boston, Finneran-Gallagher participated in the online New England region competition. The local singer submitted video performances of the following four songs accompanied by Music Professor Jonathan Yasuda:
- “Quasimodo” from “When Pigs Fly;”
- “One Track Mind” from “The Sweet Smell of Success;”
- “Michael in the Bathroom” from “Be More Chill;” and
- “Never Will I Marry” from “Greenwillow”
Finneran-Gallagher now joins approximately 70 semifinalists from throughout the country who will be judged online for a spot as one of 16 National Association of Teachers Singing Competition national finalists.
As he advances in the NATS competition, Finneran-Gallagher says that he appreciates the experience as he builds his resume for a potential career in singing in theater productions. He says he is ready for the next round.
“Here we go again!” he says.
Two of Finneran-Gallagher’s audition songs are available on the following links:
For more information on the National Association of Teachers Singing Competition, please visit https://www.nats.org/.
Written by Andrea Binnick
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