Organ schools

College Majors Music Major
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<p>Hi I am sophomore and an organ major at a performing arts boarding high school. Where should I consider going for further education in organ after high school? AKA what schools have good organ programs?</p>

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<p>Have a look at Oberlin:</p>

<p>[Overview</a> - Oberlin College](<a href=“http://new.oberlin.edu/conservatory/departments/organ/]Overview”>http://new.oberlin.edu/conservatory/departments/organ/)</p>

<p>[Friday</a> Night Organ Pump](<a href=“http://www.oberlin.edu/newserv/stories/19991029organ_pump.html]Friday”>http://www.oberlin.edu/newserv/stories/19991029organ_pump.html)</p>

<p>[Oberlin</a> Alumni Magazine :: Winter 2005-06](<a href=“http://www.oberlin.edu/alummag/winter2005/feat_pump.html]Oberlin”>http://www.oberlin.edu/alummag/winter2005/feat_pump.html)</p>

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<p>The prior organ titled threads:</p>

<p><a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/942241-organ-safety-schools-help.html?highlight=organ[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/942241-organ-safety-schools-help.html?highlight=organ&lt;/a&gt;
<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/675228-organ-piano.html?highlight=organ[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/675228-organ-piano.html?highlight=organ&lt;/a&gt;
<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/623922-organ-performance-majors.html?highlight=organ[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/623922-organ-performance-majors.html?highlight=organ&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p><a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/852983-organ-audition.html?highlight=organ[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/852983-organ-audition.html?highlight=organ&lt;/a&gt;
<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/479548-flexible-voice-performance-degrees-adding-keyboard-organ-choral-conducting.html?highlight=organ[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/479548-flexible-voice-performance-degrees-adding-keyboard-organ-choral-conducting.html?highlight=organ&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>There are a couple of organ performance majors listed on the ‘10 Master lists, and I recll at least one more one of the prior years’ lists. This will brief you on the Master Lists use and links <a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/892168-search-tips-other-insights.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/892168-search-tips-other-insights.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>There are, if I recall, additional outside organ links within here <a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/608305-useful-music-links.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/608305-useful-music-links.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

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<p>The American Guild of Organists maintains a list of schools they recognize for organ performance/sacred music degrees. Good list to check out: [American</a> Guild of Organists](<a href=“http://www.agohq.org%5DAmerican”>http://www.agohq.org)</p>

<p>Also important is working with your current teacher to find schools that match your needs. Depending upon your career goals, some colleges might be better than others. If you are planning a career in church organ playing, you might want to consider a college that fits your denomination. . . or not! However, between your teacher and the AGO website, you should get good ideas of where you want to study for your career needs.</p>

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<p>Be aware that each organ teacher has their area of expertise. Whether you like early music, baroque, romantic, or modern, research the teacher you’re considering and make sure that is their area. Many colleges have only 1 or 2 organ teachers, so that is important. My son was able to eliminate many schools that way, but he already knew which type of music he liked. Also look at the number and types of organs available not only at the school, but in the community. Playing different organs teaches you a lot too. If you prefer electropneumatic organs it’s easy, but if you prefer mechanical organs, they aren’t as widely available. </p>

<p>Personally, I would list Eastman, Oberlin, Jacobs at Indiana and Westminster Choir College as the main organ schools. They have the larger organ depts. If you prefer a smaller dept., look closely at the schools’ teacher, as I said. There are some truly excellent teachers in very small depts. in communities that have a good number of organs. It all depends on what type of music you prefer and the lifestyle you want. Feel free to email me if you want more details.</p>

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