Organ

Core Experiences for Organ Primary Students

  • The Holtkamp Organ

    Play this incredible instrument in St. Olaf College’s beautiful Boe Chapel. The main instrument in the chancel area includes four manual divisions playable from a three-manual, English-style drawknob console and has 75 ranks totaling 4,105 pipes.

  • Private Lessons

    Two half-hour lessons per week with a collegiate or conservatory-level faculty member.

  • Studio Classes

    Join other organ primary students in weekly studio classes. You’ll learn through masterclass seminars, and develop practice, performance, and service-leading techniques together.

  • Organ Practice Rooms

    Skifter Hall, adjacent to Christiansen Hall of Music, houses seven practice instruments (four mechanical, three electro-pneumatic by Dobson, Wilhelm, Holtkamp, and Schliker.) Each room has been acoustically engineered to provide a satisfying practice experience. In addition, Skifter Hall houses the Tormodsgaard-Bakken Recital Hall (commonly known as Studio A), a small hall designed especially for organ teaching, practice and recitals. Its mechanical action Dobson organ is three manuals and 42 ranks.


  • Organ Recital Performances

    You’ll have the opportunity to play a solo piece or lead a hymn at the end of LSM in a culminating organ recital.

  • Large Ensembles

    All organ students must take part in one large ensemble (band, choir, or orchestra). This experience is ideal for organists who also play a solo instrument or sing, or organists can play percussion. Watch the Festival Band, the Festival Choir, or the Festival Orchestra.

Meet the Organ Faculty

Optional Organ Experiences

  • Worship Music

    Play as a soloist to share pre-service music, or help lead liturgies, hymnody, or other assembly songs in worship services.

  • Church Music Elective

    This elective is recommended for organ students who are interested in pursuing church music as a career path. Hymnody, liturgy, and worship planning are explored.

Organ FAQ

How advanced do I have to be as an organist?

LSM offers a Class Organ elective and organ lessons that cater to students with piano experience, but no organ experience. Organ primary students often have more advanced opportunities in performance and in learning: hymn improvisation, advanced repertoire, and leading congregational singing in worship services.

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