The richness, color, and variety of organ performance in all its diverse aspects are an integral part of musical life at Furman University. Organ students perform solo repertory in concert settings, accompany Furman’s outstanding choral ensembles, play for the weekly University Worship service at Daniel Chapel and for numerous churches in the Greenville area, and perform chamber works with other instrumentalists and singers. The centerpiece of Furman’s organ program – a magnificent 42-stop organ in Daniel Memorial Chapel by C.B. Fisk (2004 – scroll down to view specs) – is available to students for performance and regular practice, as are the 29 stop Holtkamp organ in McAlister Auditorium (pictured below); excellent small practice organs by Ott, Holtkamp, and Steiner; a beautiful continuo organ by John Bennett; and a two-manual harpsichord by Philip Tyre.
Furman Bachelor of Music – Organ Performance majors have consistently been admitted to graduate programs at leading music schools, and many hold important college and church positions throughout the country. Meticulous training in technique, musicality, stylistic performance, and registration of solo organ music from all periods is supplemented by comprehensive studies in the art of service playing. Weekly studio performance classes and music department recitals allow organ students to gain experience and confidence in public performance.
Furman’s Hartness Organ Series brings nationally and internationally known organ recitalists to campus each year, with many of these artists conducting master classes for the organ students during their time on campus. In addition, the annual Furman University Church Music Conference brings to campus such outstanding guest clinicians as John Rutter, Mack Wilberg, Gerre Hancock, and others.
Audition and Declaration Requirements
Furman students intending to major in music must perform an audition and complete a music theory placement examination. Final approval for a music degree takes place during your sophomore year. Learn more about auditions.
Course Sequence
See the suggested course sequence for a B.M. in Performance, Organ Emphasis [PDF].
