INS 432
Summer Organ Academy
June 29-July 5, 2025 / Monday-Friday, 9 AM-4 PM with evening concerts, plus Saturday participant concerts
Faculty: David Higgs, Nathan Laube, Stephen Kennedy
Guest Faculty: Crista Miller
Coordinator: James Kealey
Locations: ESM Schmitt Organ Recital Hall, Asbury First United Methodist Church, Christ Church, Incarnate Word Lutheran Church, Memorial Art Gallery, Sacred Heart Cathedral, St. Paul’s Church, Third Presbyterian Church
Come experience the thriving pipe organ culture at Eastman in this five-day intensive institute for high school and collegiate organists. Each day will include private and group instruction from world-renowned performers and pedagogues, as well as daily access to a wide variety of instruments. Participants will have the opportunity to perform in master classes focusing on repertoire, sacred music skills, improvisation, and technique. Additionally, students will attend lectures that include topics such as:
- Practice techniques
- Figured bass and improvisation
- History and context of organ repertoire
- Anthem accompaniment
- Hymn playing
The program will conclude with two participant concerts on Saturday in Christ Church and Third Presbyterian Church.
HOW TO APPLY:
All applicants should contact James Kealey at jkealey@thirdpresbyterian.org before applying. Please include a video submission of an audition piece showcasing your playing proficiency and a short bio. The registration deadline is May 15th, 2025.
For more information, including a schedule and a list of instruments used for the study, please visit: http://www.esm.rochester.edu/organ
Orientation: Sunday, June 29th, 2025, at 6 PM in Schmitt Hall
Faculty & Current Students Concerts: Monday-Thursday at 7:30 PM in various local churches
Participant Concerts: Saturday, July 5 (morning and afternoon) at Christ Church and Third Presbyterian Church (Rochester, NY)
Tuition:
$1,000/ noncredit only (without housing and dining)
$1,528.50/ tuition with housing and dining
“I learned a lot in a short period of time, and it was wonderful to be immersed in the Rochester organ world for a week.” — 2023 Summer Organ Academy participant
Read our blog: Eastman Summer Spotlight: Summer Organ Academy
