Welcome to the UT Organ Studio!
Organ students at the University of Tennessee study in a supportive, performance-rich environment where they develop both artistic excellence and practical skills for church, recital, and academic settings. The program emphasizes technical mastery, broad repertoire, and the real-world experience needed to launch a career as a performer, teacher, or church musician.
Academics
UT’s organ program offers instruction across a wide range of styles, including early keyboard music, Romantic and modern repertoire, and church service playing. Students build skills in technique, interpretation, hymn playing, improvisation, and conducting from the console. Majors and minors perform in weekly studio class, participate in masterclasses and local outreach events, and present juried performances and degree recitals. Organists also benefit from access to multiple exceptional instruments across campus, as well as opportunities to play and work in local churches.
Undergraduate Programs
Students in the Organ Studio may pursue a Bachelor of Music in Music Education, Music Performance, or Theory & Composition.
The Natalie L. Haslam College of Music also offers Bachelor of Arts in Music concentrations, and BA students have the option to take applied lessons as part of a studio experience.
Graduate Programs
Graduate students may pursue a Master of Music in Music Education or Music Performance with organ as their primary area of study.
Graduate Artist Certificate
Designed for highly accomplished performers seeking to refine their artistry, the Graduate Artist Certificate offers advanced study as a stand-alone program.
Meet Professor Edie Johnson
Professor Edie Johnson has won prizes in many organ performance competitions including first place in the John Rodland organ and church music scholarship competition. She has performed for national and regional conventions of the American Guild of Organists (AGO), the Association of Anglican Musicians, the Organ Historical Society and the National General Assembly of the Disciples of Christ Church. Several of her performances have been broadcast on American Public Media’s Pipedreams.
- Weekly studio classes for all students
- Solo junior and senior recitals as part of the degree program
- Participation in guest artist masterclasses
- Opportunities to perform in community events such as:
- Knoxville AGO Chapter’s Annual Student Recital
- Student Organ Encounter Days
- First Lutheran Church’s GermanFest
- Organ students also gain practical experience and income by working as church organists in the Knoxville area. Many local churches provide access to additional organs, giving students valuable experience on a variety of instruments.
Exceptional Instruments
Richards, Fowkes & Co. Organ – 3 manuals, 41 stops (James R. Cox Auditorium)
Gabriel Kney Studio Organ – 2 manuals, 17 stops, mechanical action
Flentrop Practice Organ – 2 manuals, 3 stops, mechanical action
Andover Positive Organ – 3 stops
The Richards, Fowkes instrument is considered one of the most notable university organs in the U.S. and is used regularly for lessons, student and faculty recitals, and guest artist performances.
Interested in the UT Organ Studio?
Schedule a Music Major for a Day Experience or Building Tour!
Get a true sense of what it’s like to be a music major at UT! Sit in on classes, attend rehearsals, meet with Professor Johnson, and tour our beautiful facilities.
Learn How To Apply
Whether you’re applying as a first-time college student, transfer student, or graduate student, admission to the Natalie L. Haslam College of Music is a multi-step process that includes applying to the University of Tennessee and to our college. We’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Graduate Teaching Assistantships
The Natalie L. Haslam College of Music offers a number of graduate teaching assistantships each academic year.
Assistantships carry a waiver of the university tuition, pays for mandatory university fees, medical coverage, and carries a monthly stipend.