Organ Department: Moores School of Music: University of Houston - University of Houston
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Moores School of Music
Beckerath Organ

Organ Department

Daryl Robinson

Daryl Robinson
Director of Organ Studies
E-mail: darobinson@uh.edu
Phone: 713-743-7316
Office: MSM 166
www.facebook.com/uhorgan

Welcome to the Moores School of Music Organ Department! Our curriculum is designed to prepare students to be adaptable and successful as both solo and collaborative musicians. Intentionally a small and selective program, we’re able to offer nearly unlimited access to an eclectic collection of organs both on and off campus, weekly lessons that go well beyond the traditional hour-long format of most schools, and abundant performance opportunities. If you have specific questions about our program, or would like to be connected to current students to ask questions, don’t hesitate to e-mail or call! #GoCoogs

Academic Programs

We support a rigorous program of organ study, emphasizing applied lessons, collaborative skills, choral conducting, organ literature, organ pedagogy, sacred music skills, improvisation, and advanced keyboard skills.  Our internationally recognized faculty provide one-on-one support.

Scholarships

Applicants are all strongly encouraged to contact Daryl Robinson, Director of Organ Studies, to discuss scholarship, fellowship, and internship possibilities.

  • Undergraduate Scholarships

    We offer generous scholarships to UH organ majors of all levels and for students entering in either the fall or spring semesters. Most organ majors also receive an out-of-state tuition waiver, so they pay the Texas tuition rate regardless of current residency.

  • Graduate Fellowships

    Many UH graduate students in organ serve as teaching assistants in history and theory in the Moores School of Music. Each year, one teaching assistantship in organ is available to a graduate organ major.

  • Internships

    Established organ internships at Christ Church Cathedral (Episcopal) and at St. Philip Presbyterian Church afford students valuable paid professional experience.  Additionally, Houston has a wealth of active sacred music programs; information about available opportunities may be found by visiting the Houston Chapter of the American Guild of Organists.

Organ Courses

  • MUSI 3240 - Organ Literature I

    Credit Hours: 2; Prerequisite: Junior standing in applied music (MUSA)
    Study of organ literature before 1800 coordinated with the development of the organ as a musical and mechanical instrument.

  • MUSI 3241 - Organ Literature II

    Credit Hours: 2; Prerequisite: Junior standing in applied music (MUSA)
    Continuation of MUSI 3240.

  • MUSI 6327 - Collaborative Skills for Organists I

    Credit Hours: 3; Prerequisite: none
    Advanced score reading and figured bass; transposition; console management; accompanying hymnody and various forms of chant; improvisation for sacred services.

  • MUSI 6328 - Collaborative Skills for Organists II

    Credit Hours: 3; Prerequisite: MUSI 6327
    Weekly assignments of standard choral and solo literature; adapting piano and orchestral scores to the organ; rehearsal techniques as both accompanist and conductor; fundamentals of vocal pedagogy.

  • MUSI 6329 - Seminar in Organ Literature

    Credit Hours: 3; Prerequisite: none
    An in-depth study of a selected composer or genre and its performance practice. Students will research, present, and prepare representative works to be coached in class, culminating in a class recital.

Events for Spring 2019

  • Guy Watley

    Faculty Associate
    Arizona State University
    Tempe, Arizona

    Presentation on Music of the Tudor Period
    January 26 at 10 a.m.
    Organ Hall, University of Houston
    3401 Cullen Boulevard
    Houston, Texas 77004
    Sponsored by New Hope Lutheran Church

  • Daniel Roth

    Titular Organist, St. Sulpice
    Paris, France

    Solo Organ Recital
    February 12 at 7:30 p.m.
    Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart
    1111 St. Joseph Parkway
    Houston, Texas 77002

    Masterclass on Selections from Widor Sympohonies
    February 13 at 3 p.m.
    Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart
    1111 St. Joseph Parkway
    Houston, Texas 77002

    Co-sponsored by A.I. Lack Master Series, Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart and the Houston Chapter of the American Guild of Organists

  • David Higgs

    Professor of Organ, Eastman School of Music
    Rochester, New York

    Masterclass
    March 23 at 10 a.m.
    St. Philip Presbyterian Church
    4807 San Felipe Street
    Houston, Texas 77056

    Solo Organ Recital
    March 24 at 6 p.m.
    Christ the King Lutheran Church
    2353 Rice Boulevard
    Houston, Texas 77005
    Tickets: $5 Students, $35 Seniors, $40 General

    Sponsored by Bach Society Houston

Faculty

Faculty Recordings

Current Students

Instruments

The University of Houston is home to five pipe organs, including the III/49 Beckerath organ housed in the Organ Hall. All pipe organs in the Moores School of Music and Fine Arts buildings are available to organ majors 24/7. Additional practice instruments include a continuo organ by Bennett & Giuttari and harpsichords by Willard Martin and John Phillips. Degree recitals are performed on instruments by Aeolian-Skinner, Fritts, Nichols & Simpson, and Pasi free of charge through agreements with local churches.

Organ students relaxing with the Director

“Unlike many organ programs around the country, where students study on a single instrument, the UH organ program allows students access to regularly practice and perform on the plethora of wonderful instruments in the city. It seemed obvious to me that I would be missing out on something great if I didn’t take advantage of this program that was in my own backyard! One of the things I love most about being in Houston is that the city itself is a very organ-friendly place. In addition to boasting many incredible, unique instruments, there are also many opportunities for students and professionals alike to perform and get involved in the rich musical community that Houston has to offer.” - James Roman, ’20