June 21-27, 2020
Applications received February - May 1
until program is filled.
Students with a keen interest in the organ are invited to spend a week at the conservatory learning and performing on this expressive instrument. The Organ Academy is for both students considering undergraduate study in organ and those looking to expand their interest in the instrument.
This intensive program for young organists (ages 12-graduating high school seniors) includes daily lessons (beginning, intermediate, advanced), master classes, concerts, sacred music skills, improvisation, harpsichord, clavichord, and preparation for college auditions and competitions.
Beginner and Intermediate student-lessons will be taught by some of Oberlin’s very finest students and guests. This year, we welcome Dr. Robert Sirota, Dr. Victoria Sirota, and David Hurd. Prior to the program, students in this track will be send a packet of exercises and simple pieces to prepare for the program. Advanced students will have lessons with Oberlin faculty, Jonathan Moyer and Krista Rakich, and will be asked to prepare repertoire for at least three of the organs in the Oberlin collection.
The academy features lectures, time in Oberlin’s renowned Conservatory Library, a field trip to regional churches, faculty and guest artist recitals, and opportunities to perform in student recitals. You will be led in explorations of some of Oberlin’s noted organs— the newly installed Spanish style organ by Greg Harrold, the French Symphonic organ in Finney Chapel built by Charles Fisk, and the North German-Dutch 17th-century-style organ in Warner Concert Hall built by Flentrop.
The conservatory’s Kulas Organ Center in Robertson Hall has 13 practice rooms equipped with organs of various designs, both mechanical action and electro-pneumatic, for your practice sessions. These organs include five Flentrops, three Holtkamps, two Noacks, and individual instruments by Brombaugh, Fritts, and Guilbaut-Thérien.
FACULTY
Jonathan W. Moyer, David S. Boe chair and assistant professor of organ
Christa Rakich, visiting professor of organ
David Kazimir, curator of organs
The Rev. Dr. Victoria Sirota, visiting alumni guest
Dr. Robert Sirota, visiting alumni guest
Arrival day
Registration 1-3pm on Sunday, June 21
Final day
The Participant Recital on Saturday, June 27 at 10am at Finney Chapel concludes the week.