Meet Our Teachers!
CHRYS RYAN JOHNSON • Mr. Chrys has been working in the music business for over a decade! As a singer, his voice has been featured in two of the “High School Musical” films, the 2007 “Hairspray” soundtrack, and various episodes of the television show “Glee.” He has performed background vocals for artists such as Carole King, Pink, Alicia Keys, Childish Gambino, Sam Smith and many others. Playing piano for over 10 years as well, he has the ability to play most songs by ear and has tons of experience in playing keyboards with different artists and bands. Chrys also has a strong background in musical theater! Performing as both an actor as well as a member of the orchestra for many shows. Some of his favorite productions include Rent and Spring Awakening! Chrys enjoys studying music theory, and is so excited to be sharing his knowledge with the students and families here at Protege Performing Arts. This is Mr. Chrys's 5th Season with Protégé.
FRANCISCO RUIZ • Hailing from Ecuador, Mr. Francisco is a vocalist, multi-instrumentalist, arranger and music director for a variety of choirs and music groups in LA. He has worked with various artists including U2, Ivan Lins, Luis Enrique, Jerry Rivera, Noel Schajris and KC Porter. He has worked as vocalist and choir director at various important venues including the Walt Disney Concert Hall, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, The Wiltern, among others. Most recently, Francisco worked with producer Hector Crisantes as vocalist and arranger in 2022 Latin Grammy Nominated Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album "LA VIDA" by KURT [Universal Music Mexico], as well as background vocalist in Best Folk Album "LA TIERRA LLORA" by Paulina Aguirre. A graduate from the prestigious Berklee College of Music, Francisco has been a vocal educator for over 10 years, touring with vocal projects and sharing his knowledge in vocal improvisation acquired by studying and performing with ten-time Grammy Award winner Bobby Mcferrin and members of Voicestra: Joey Blake and Rhiannon. Francisco performed in Chile at the 2016 Viña del Mar International Song Festival alongside Paulina Aguirre representing the Latino Immigrants in the United States, winning Best Performance. The Quinta Vergara venue was sold out the 3 nights they performed, attracting over 60,000 people and millions of TV and streaming viewers around the world. We are excited to welcome Mr. Francisco to the Protégé family for his 1st Season!