Former rotating concertmaster and teaching artist of the New World Symphony, Dr. Ryder is currently assistant professor of instruction in violin at the University of Northern Iowa and the concertmaster of the Dubuque Symphony Orchestra. He received both a Bachelor of Music and Master of Music degree in violin performance from the Juilliard School, studying with Frank Huang and Ronald Copes, before obtaining a DMA in violin performance from The Eastman School. He has regularly performed with the Florida Orchestra, the Portland Symphony Orchestra, the Venice Symphony, and Orchestra Iowa. In 2024, Dr. Ryder formed the Mesa Duo with internationally-renowned pianist and UNI professor Sean Botkin. Additionally, he is a faculty member at the Snow Pond Center for the Arts and SummerKeys, both in his home state of Maine.