I wanted to double major, and knew the journalism program at Iowa was tops in the country. Thankfully, Dr. Hand has a program where it's possible to major in something completely different than the organ and be successful!
Keep following your passion for music in college
Many Iowa organ students combine organ study with another major. Studying organ gives you the intensive musical training, lessons, performing opportunities, and community of a music degree while allowing you to pursue another academic field at the same time.
Organ scholarships can also make a double major very financially attractive. And prior organ experience isn't required!
Learn
As an organ major, you'll develop your technique, repertoire, improvisation, and musicianship through weekly private 60-minute lessons with Dr. Hand.
Practice
Practice and study on the University of Iowa's outstanding collection of pipe organs, with instruments representing different builders, periods, and national styles.
Perform
Play in studio class, give recitals, travel to explore historic organs around the world, accompany choirs … performing opportunities opportunities are endless. There are also many area church jobs available if you want to earn extra money each week.
Can I be an organ major if I've never played the organ?
Yes. Many organists discover the organ for the first time in college (including Dr. Hand!).
If you love music and have some keyboard background, you might be a perfect fit for the Iowa Organ Studio.
We especially like to see students who also sing, play several instruments, and are leaders in their high school music programs.
Curious about joining the Organ Studio?
You don't need to know if organ is right for you yet. Get in touch and tell us about your musical background, and learn more about what studying organ at Iowa could look like for you.