Organ at Arts Academy

Why Study Organ at Interlochen

The modern organ holds versatility far beyond its traditional role in church music. Here, you’ll explore its tremendous potential and master its complex mechanics in the context of a rich and diverse artistic environment. Immerse yourself in your craft alongside passionate artists of all disciplines.

What You’ll Learn

At Interlochen, you'll find a nurturing and inspiring environment in which you can focus on your goals while working side by side with other musicians.

Your schedule at our boarding school for organ will include a mix of private lessons and studio classes fit to your skill set. You'll have the chance to interact daily with our renowned faculty, who will guide you through organ, piano, theory, and choral training. Develop a daily practice, and learn how to identify and address the gaps in your technique. Choose one of six music programs that best aligns with your interest.

How to Apply

Core Curriculum

Audition Requirements

Hae Won Jang, D.M.A.

Instructor of Organ

Ken Cowan, Professor of Organ, Rice University
Isabelle Demers, The Joyce Bowden Chair in Organ, Baylor University
Nichole Keller, Lecturer in Organ, Baldwin Wallace University Conservatory
James Kibbie, University of Michigan
Huw Lewis, Chair of the Organ Department, Hope College
Jonathan Moyer, Oberlin Conservatory
Catherine Rodland, St. Olaf College
Todd Wilson, Cleveland Institute of Music

Program Highlights

Performance Opportunities

You'll have opportunities to perform in large ensembles and chamber groups, both on- and off-campus. Learn more in our Explore Ensembles section below. Students will also have practical experience playing for local congregations and churches.

Organ Tours

Organ students tour both regionally and nationally during the academic year. Past tours include: First Congregational Church, Los Angeles; Grace Cathedral, San Francisco; National City Christian Church, Washington, D.C; and Saint Thomas Church Fifth Avenue, New York City.

Beyond the Organ

In addition to continued piano study, you'll have many music electives to choose from to broaden your musicianship. Electives may include: composition, music production and engineering, and more.

Interdisciplinary Projects

Work with students in other artistic disciplines. You'll have the opportunity to work on improvisation with the dance accompanying faculty using live dance classes as a laboratory.

I've learned so much in three months. I went from playing small pedal etudes to now expressing Dupre, Bach, and Dello Joio. I'm amazed at what this school has helped me accomplish and discover. In my three months here, I have been the happiest I have ever been. I love seeing my peers with such passion and joy for what they do, and I love being able to express myself in front of them. I love that they understand and listen.

Elizabeth, Music

From curiosity to career

Learn more about Arts Academy and Arts Camp alumnus Bryan Dunnewald and his organ career path.

Read Bryan's story

Berklee College of Music
Boston Conservatory at Berklee
California Institute of the Arts
Carnegie Mellon University
Cleveland Institute of Music
Curtis Institute of Music
Indiana University
The Juilliard School
Johns Hopkins University
Manhattan School of Music
New England Conservatory
New York University
Northwestern University
Oberlin College and Conservatory
Rice University
San Francisco Conservatory of Music
University of Miami
University of Michigan
University of Rochester
University of Southern California
Vanderbilt University

In our free informational booklet, you'll learn more about:

Each of our seven arts areas
Renowned faculty
College-preparatory academics
Student resources
How to apply and financial aid information
And more

2024 is almost over. Take a moment to make a lasting difference in a young artist’s life. Inspire their journey. Make your gift today.

Jan. 15 is the Priority Application Deadline for Interlochen Arts Academy.