Organ & Church Music History

The history of organ and church music study at the University of Kansas is long and distinguished. From modest beginnings in 1867, it has grown into one of the largest programs in the country. With degree programs at the bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels, exceptional facilities and instruments, and distinguished faculty, the University of Kansas offers an extraordinary educational opportunity for anyone wishing to study and pursue careers in organ performance, teaching, or church music. The University of Kansas offers the following degree programs in organ and church music:

• Bachelor of Music with an emphasis in organ performance or church music
• Master of Music with a major in organ performance or a major in church music, with either a choral conducting or organ performance emphasis
• Master of Music in Carillon
• Doctor of Music Arts with a major in organ performance or a major in church music, with either a choral conducting or organ performance emphasis

Specialized work in the organ curricula includes courses in the history of organ literature and design, organ pedagogy, and seminars on repertory performance practice, the history of organ building, and related topics. Specialized work in the church music curricula includes courses in service playing, the history of liturgy, anthem literature, children's choirs, bell choirs, the church and the arts, theological aesthetics, the history of church music, and hymnology.

To offer quality programs in organ and church music, an institution must make an extraordinary commitment to secure facilities, instruments, and equipment for students' regular use. The University of Kansas has made that commitment and offers exceptional opportunities to those who pursue study in these areas.