Young Organist Collaborative
The AGO provides Scholarships for Young Organists
The American Guild of Organists (AGO) serving NE Tennessee and SW Virginia and its Young Organist Collaborative (YOC) encourages and supports young people in learning to play the pipe organ. We are seeking music students 13 – 20, who are interested in studying with a qualified local organist. These lessons will be provided at no cost to first year students.
Requirements:
- Applicants should be between the ages of 13 and 20, and have had at least 2 years of piano keyboard study, in addition to any other instrument played.
- Applicants will be expected to read music and play piano equally in both hands.
- Applicants need to be able to study with organists in or near the area served by the AGO of NE Tennessee and SW Virginia.
- Completed applications are due as soon as possible. You may use either our PDF form or our On-line form for this purpose. The PDF should be sent to the email address below.
- Each student’s application must be accompanied by a written recommendation from your music teacher. Recommendations may be sent to applications@netnswvaago.org or submitted electronically as noted just above. Recommendations are also due as soon as possible.
- Auditions will be scheduled at a mutually convenient time, at which a student will demonstrate their sight-reading ability, and play a prepared piece on the piano. The audition will also include an informal interview.
- Scholarship recipients will be expected to attend 16 lessons (1 lesson every 2 weeks from September 2026 – May 2027) with a qualified organist at the organist’s studio / church.
- Students will be expected to practice at least two or three days a week on an organ.
- Students will be expected to participate in an organ recital on Saturday, May 15, 2027.
The YOC will provide stipends to organ instructors for 16 lessons. Each student will be assigned an adult mentor to assist in the YOC experience.
Questions?
Call Robert Greene, YOC Chair:
276-696-9091 or applications@netnswvaago.org