Created with Sketch.

This graduate program gives skilled performers in-depth knowledge of organ design, history, literature, and performance practices.

Degrees Offered

  • Master of Music (MM)
  • Doctor of Music (DMA)

Other Studies

  • Professional Studies Certificate (PS)
  • Professional Performance Diploma (PPD)

Program Details

The programs of study for organ majors are designed to develop skilled performers with a knowledge of organ design, history, literature, and performance practices.

Under the direction of Organ Department Chair, Andrew Henderson, the Director of Music and Organist at Madison Avenue Presbyterian Church in New York City, students will achieve a high degree of professional competence and learn appropriate stylistic approaches to the literature of various historical periods.

SLIDESHOW: MSM students playing the organ at Madison Avenue Presbyterian Church

Audition & Prescreening Information

Procedures By Degree Level

Handbook for Current Students

Organ Department Handbook

Plan of Study & Course Descriptions

Plan of Study: Organ
MSM Academic Catalog

Success Stories

See All
  • Aug 10, 2021 Organ
    Alumni
    Organist Dr. Gordon Turk (MM ’86, DMA ’89) to perform rarely heard work “The Storm” on historic organ in Ocean Grove, N.J.
  • Jan 7, 2019 Organ
    Alumni
    Concert organist Stephen Hamilton (DMA ’94) launches European tour in March

“I sometimes look at the list of the faculty members at Manhattan School of Music and it is like a dream come true for me to be mentored by them.”

(MM '18)

Kent Tritle, Director of Cathedral Music and Organist of the Cathedral of St. John the Divine is a faculty member of MSM's Organ Program

Organ Performance Masters Degree

Total Curriculum Hours: 62

  • Major Lessons
    5 cr
  • Music History Electives
    3 cr
  • Graduate Electives
    2 cr
  • Organ Performance Class
    1 cr
  • Organ Improvisation*
    1 cr
  • Organ Literature
    2 cr
  • Choral Conducting
    2 cr
  • Concert Attendance
    0 cr
Total Credits for Year 1, Fall:
16 cr
  • Major Lessons
    5 cr
  • Music History Electives
    3 cr
  • Graduate Electives
    2 cr
  • Organ Performance Class
    1 cr
  • Organ Improvisation*
    1 cr
  • Organ Literature
    2 cr
  • Choral Conducting
    2 cr
  • Concert Attendance
    0 cr
  • Jury
    0 cr
  • First Year Recital
    0 cr
Total Credits for Year 1, Spring:
16 cr
  • Major Lessons
    5 cr
  • Music History Electives
    3 cr
  • Graduate Theory Electives
    2 cr
  • Organ Performance Class
    1 cr
  • Service Playing
    1 cr
  • Choral Repertoire
    2 cr
Total Credits for Year 2, Fall:
14 cr
  • Major Lessons
    5 cr
  • Music History Electives
    3 cr
  • Graduate Theory Electives
    2 cr
  • Organ Performance Class
    1 cr
  • Service Playing
    1 cr
  • Choral Repertoire
    2 cr
  • Jury
    0 cr
  • Graduation Recital
    0 cr
Total Credits for Year 2, Spring:
14 cr

    Email This Page

    Email Message

    Page Reference
    (will be sent in email)