Organ

Program Highlights

Annual study trips to destinations in Europe and the US
Collection of 10 diverse pipe organs in concert halls and practice studios
Dynamic and supportive studio (11 majors) in BM, MM, and DMA degrees

The Baylor Organ Program is proud of a century-long tradition of educating the finest organists. Dedicated and experienced teachers, who are committed to student-centered learning, provide students with intensive training in organ; service playing/improvisation; conducting; harpsichord and all other areas relevant for a career as church musician, concert organist and educator. Alumni of our undergraduate and graduate degree programs in organ performance, church music, and organ as a secondary major excel in their positions at universities, churches, and in orchestras; or have been accepted into advanced degree programs at many of our nation’s finest institutions.

Jens Korndörfer, DMus

Associate Professor of Organ Joyce O. Bowden Endowed Professorship in Music

Jens Korndörfer, DMus

Associate Professor of Organ Joyce O. Bowden Endowed Professorship in Music

McGill University (D.Mus., 2012), Oberlin Conservatory (A.D., 2009), Paris Conservatory CNSM (DFS, 2007), Musikhochschule Bayreuth (Church Music, 2004)

Performs regularly at venues such as Davies Symphony Hall in San Francisco, the Cadet Chapel in West Point, Berlin Cathedral, and the Cultural Centre in Hong Kong
Released five commercial recordings; published a collection of hymn preludes (available summer 2025)
Gives masterclasses and workshops at universities and conventions on three continents

jens_korndoerfer@baylor.edu

Julia Dokter, PhD, DMus

Part-Time Lecturer of Harpsichord

Julia Dokter, PhD, DMus

Part-Time Lecturer of Harpsichord

PhD (Utrecht University) in musicology, DMus and MMus (McGill University) in organ performance; MA (McGill University) in music theory

Has performed in prominent venues such as the Basilique Notre-Dame in Montreal and Metropolitan United Church in Toronto; has given lecture-recitals at conferences in Aberdeen (UK) and Montreal
Specializes in the performance of early music up to J.S. Bach, but also loves the French masters of the 19th and 20th centuries
Published extensively in European and American journals and published a book with Rochester University Press

Julia_Dokter@baylor.edu

Concert in Memory of Dr. Joyce Jones in Roxy Grove Hall, Feb. 2025 — Concert in Memory of Dr. Joyce Jones in Roxy Grove Hall, 2/25

Facilities & Instruments

Baylor University’s gorgeous campus is home to a large and varied collection of outstanding instruments in our five concert halls, which includes instruments with both mechanical and electro-pneumatic action (see below for details). Students have unlimited access to our dedicated practice studios with five two- and three manual practice organs (both mechanical & electro-pneumatic action), a portative organ by Klop (2023) and a French double harpsichord. Several churches in Waco have very fine instruments by Schoenstein, Schantz, and others, which are regularly used for lessons and degree recitals.

Scholarships

Generous scholarships (up to full tuition funding) are available to all undergraduate and graduate students in organ, graduate students are also eligible for GA positions. Organ majors usually also hold a position in one of the many churches in Waco, which provides additional income.

Performance Opportunities

Organ majors regularly perform with Baylor University’s choirs and orchestras, in chamber music and early music ensembles, and as soloists, both on and off campus. Recent off-campus venues include the First Church of Christ, Scientist, in Boston, MA (which is home to the sixth largest organ in the world), St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York, NY, and St. Monica Catholic Church in Dallas, TX. The 2026 winner’s concert of the Semper Pro Musica Organ Competition is going to take place at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in New York, NY.

organ studio at St. Sulpice in Paris with titular Karol Mossakowski, March 2024 — The organ studio at St. Sulpice in Paris with titular Karol Mossakowski, 3/24

Travel Opportunities

The organ studio goes on annual study trips, alternating between destinations in Europe (Paris 2024, Germany 2026) and the U.S. (Boston 2025). These trips offer students the possibility to experience first-hand the sounds of the instruments that inspired many of the masterworks of the organ repertoire. Encounters with local organists and visits to major monuments, museums and operas/concert halls provide students with an immersive experience in the culture of the respective destinations.

Guest Artists

We offer regular opportunities to learn from other leading professional teachers and performers in the field. Recent distinguished guests have included Peter Sykes, Kimberly Marshall, Richard Elliott, Paul Jacobs, Ken Cowan, Johann Vexo and Jean-Baptiste Robin. In 2025/26, Olivier Latry, Martin Schmeding, and David Enlow will be on campus for concerts and masterclasses.

Pre-College Opportunities

In 2023, Baylor launched the National High School Organ Competition (link below): ten highly talented organists from all over the U.S. are competing annually in the fall for cash prizes of currently $2,250. Our Summer Organ Camp is one of Baylor’s long-standing, cherished traditions. It takes place every June and is open to rising 8th through 12th graders.