Ryan subsequently moved to the United Kingdom, where he attended Oakham School, in Rutland, England.
In Germany, Ryan attended the University of Tübingen for two years, for language and culture studies.
[5] Ryan made his professional UK conducting debut at the 2004 Edinburgh International Festival.
[8] In 2007, Ryan became music director of the Orchestre National Bordeaux Aquitaine (ONBA), for an initial contract of 3 years.
In December 2023, the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra announced the appointment of Ryan as its next music director, effective as of the 2024-2025 season, with an initial contract of 4 years.