Ryan Howe

About Ryan

Classical Training. Jazz Soul. Driftless Heart.

Born and raised in the heart of the Driftless Region, Ryan Howe discovered music before he could walk. From a childhood steeped in the works of Beethoven, Mozart, Debussy, and Rachmaninoff, he developed a classical foundation that would become the bedrock of a versatile and compelling career.

Ryan earned his B.S. in Music Performance (Piano) with a minor in Jazz Studies from Winona State University in 2018, studying under the guidance of Dr. Deanne Mohr, Dr. Rich MacDonald, and Prof. Larry Price. He was further mentored by Dr. Mary Ellen Haupert at Viterbo University, shaping him into the dynamic performer he is today.

A two-time Exemplary State Soloist at the Wisconsin State Solo & Ensemble competition, his original song “A Place to Be” was featured in the Emmy-winning documentary Decoding the Driftless, which earned nearly 50 festival awards.

Whether performing solo piano at an intimate winery, leading a trio at a summer festival, or rocking the stage with Sexy Grandpa’s Mixtape, Ryan brings an infectious energy and deep musicianship that connects with audiences of every kind. He has served as music minister at Roncalli Newman Center in La Crosse for over 12 years, and is passionate about teaching the next generation of musicians.