Organ Study 
at the 
University of Evansville

An organ lesson taught by Douglas Reed Organ majors (registered for 2 or 3 hrs. credit) have an hour lesson each week. Organ minors and students electing to study organ (1 hr. credit) have a half-hour lesson each week.

If students are prepared and need more lesson time, arrangements can usually be made for extra lesson time.

All organ students meet weekly for a studio class in which students perform, listen, and hear presentations on various topics. These classes take place in Wheeler Concert Hall, Neu Chapel, or at area churches. Click [here] for the studio class schedule from Spring Semester 2006.

At the end of each semester, all organ students perform a jury examination for the keyboard faculty. In building up to this showcase of the semester's work, students perform for weekly lessons, studio classes, and workshop recitals.

Bachelor of Music (Performance) majors perform a memorized half-hour recital in their junior year. Depending on specific degree requirements, all degree candidates perform a full-length or half-hour recital in their senior year.

University of Evansville organ students participate in a wide variety of organ and sacred music related activities which enrich their study and professional development. All organ majors study a minor applied instrument (usually piano, harpsichord, or voice) for a minimum of four semesters. Many organ students study harpsichord as a minor instrument.

The most current and complete information about organ study at UE may be obtained by viewing the organ/harpsichord syllabus [click here].


Degree Options

University of Evansville organ students have a wide range of degree options: Bachelor of Music in Performance, Bachelor of Music in Music Education, Bachelor of Music in Music Therapy, Bachelor of Science in Music Management, and Bachelor of Arts. Students on any of these degree programs may elect to earn the Sacred Music Certificate. More information about the specific degree options may be obtained by contacting the University of Evansville Department of Music. [http://music.evansville.edu]

Students in other degree programs and departments at the University of Evansville may elect to study organ. A strong keyboard background as outlined below is helpful for making rapid progress.


Audition Information

Prospective organ majors may audition on organ, on piano, or on both instruments. Suggested audition repertoire includes:

  • a composition by J.S. Bach
  • a composition by Brahms, Franck, or other Romantic composer such as Vierne or Widor.
  • a composition by Schroeder, Held, or other Contemporary composer.

    Students auditioning for the Bachelor of Music degree (Performance), should prepare three compositions of contrasting styles and musical periods (at least one piece memorized); for other degree programs, prepare two compositions (at least one memorized). Students who are already studying organ should also perform two verses of a hymn as if accompanying a large and enthusiastic congregation.

    While organ study at the high-school level is often helpful, the best preparation for organ study at the University of Evansville will also include study of the following piano repertoire: Bach 2-part inventions and/or 3-part sinfonias and/or Preludes and Fugues from the Well-Tempered Clavier; Brahms Intermezzos; Chopin Preludes; Clementi Sonatinas; easier sonatas by Mozart or Haydn, or music of comparable difficulty.

    If you have questions about audition repertoire, contact Dr. Douglas Reed (dr5@evansville.edu).


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