Program Overview

Organ

Long recognized as one of the world’s leading centers for organ education, students have coursework that includes keyboard skills and organ improvisation, as well as organ literature, history, and design. Private organ instruction at Oberlin emphasizes the development of a broad range of repertoire while nourishing the unique interests of each student. Through Oberlin's diverse collection of organs, students apply historic methods of performance practice directly into the expression of their music. In addition to weekly private lessons in organ repertoire, students may study harpsichord, clavichord, fortepiano, piano technique, improvisation, composition, and other sacred music skills. Master classes with internationally renowned performers and teachers are offered regularly throughout the year. A range of performance opportunities enrich the experience in this program.

expansive view of Finney Chapel and the organ that dominates the back of the stage
The C.B. Fisk Op 116 organ in Finney Chapel.
Photo credit: David Kazimir

Program Facts

  • Program Type: Major, Minor, Artist Diploma
    • Bachelor of Music (BM)
    • Master of Music (MM)
    • Artist Diploma (ADip)
  • Division: Keyboard Studies

Acting Chair

Jonathan William Moyer,
David S. Boe Associate Professor of Organ

Under dim lighting in Finney Chapel, students lie on the stage beneath the pipe organ.
Oberlin Conservatory organ majors perform at midnight in Finney Chapel as part of the recurring Friday Night Organ Pump.
Photo credit: Yevhen Gulenko

Performance Opportunities

Organ students perform throughout the school year in weekly studio classes, yearly departmental recitals, and a broad range of ensembles including choir accompaniment, orchestral works with organ, continuo for early music ensembles, and singing in vocal ensembles. Formal recitals are given by each student in their junior and senior years.

Oberlin’s organ majors become the center of attention at one of Oberlin’s most unique (and fun) performances: the midnight “Organ Pump” at Finney Chapel.

Learn More: “Organ 101”

Oberlin’s Organ Collection

Oberlin is home to one of the world’s most distinguished collections of pipe organs. Students have access to an incredible 32 organs for study and performance in the conservatory and in nearby churches representing more than 500 years of organ-building practice from the great national schools of Europe.

Hear Oberlin’s five main concert instruments, available to students for performances, lessons, and scheduled practice.

Introducing the Collection
North German-style organ by Flentrop (44 stops) at Warner Concert Hall
Spanish-style organ by Greg Harrold (17 stops) at Warner Concert Hall
French Romantic-style organ by C.B. Fisk (57 stops) at Finney Chapel
Renaissance-style organ by John Brombaugh (15 stops) at Fairchild Chapel
Silbermann-style organ by Bozeman-Gibson (23 stops) at Peace Church

 

Organ News

Oberlin Improv Fest 2023 Celebrates Range of Creative Practices

March 2, 2023

This year Oberlin students have had the opportunity for the first time to declare a minor in a new formalized course of study in improvisation. And from Thursday, March 2 through Saturday, March 4, they will have an immersive experience in the Oberlin Improv Fest 2023. All events of the festival are also open to audiences and are free.
Four guest artists of the Oberlin Improv Festival
View all Organ news