Scholarships

Our Scholarship Program exists to serve area congregations by increasing the number of capable organists and to insure the continuation of the classical church music profession.

The program is structured as 14 one-hour lessons scheduled at the mutual convenience of the instructor and student. The lessons and public jury must take place within 4 months. The practice instrument must have a minimum of two 61-note keyboards and a 32-note pedalboard, with all keys functioning. The student must have legs long enough to reach the pedalboard (!) and have intermediate piano skills.

The audition for this program is on piano. Applicants will be asked to prepare and perform a simple Bach keyboard work, also one movement of a sonata by Mozart, Haydn, Beethoven, Clementi, or Kuhnau, and also one hymn written in traditional four-part harmony. The applicant will be asked to sight-read two short pieces; one will be in common meter.

At the conclusion of the 14 one hour lessons, a jury is required with the teacher and at least two additional chapter members present. The jury will consist of the following:

• Two of these three chorales: Ein feste Burg, Lobe den Herren, Herzlich tut mir verlangen 

• A hymn will be sight-read, pedaling not required. 

• The tune Old Hundredth in any of its traditional forms, copy provided to the committee

• One pedal alone passage of a chorale, minimum 15 measures

• A trio chorale

• A prelude or fugue from the collection Eight Little Preludes and Fugues

The instructor is appointed by the local chapter. Accepted applicants are responsible for securing a pair of Organmaster shoes and required music. Instruction may happen any time provided all activities are completed within four months. Candidates of all ages who meet the above criteria are welcome. 

Please contact Lawrence De Pasquale (Email) with questions and to express interest.