OrganoGenesis Artists

John D. Schwandt is perhaps one of the most multi-faceted artists on the performance circuit today. He is a nationally acclaimed performer and is in demand as a clinician, recitalist, leader of hymn festivals, silent film accompanist, organ consultant, and voicer and tonal finisher. Dr. Schwandt has been a featured performer for the American Guild of Organists (AGO), the Organ Historical Society (OHS), the American Theatre Organ Society (ATOS), and the American Institute of Organbuilders (AIO). He has been heard numerous times on American Public Media’s Pipedreams broadcasts. Equally at home on a classical or theatrical pipe organ, he is known for his musical versatility, improvisation, and ability to excite and engage audiences of every kind. 

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John Schwandt has served churches in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Indiana, and Oklahoma as a parish musician. He currently serves as Artist-in-residence at East Lake United Methodist Church in Birmingham, Alabama. He has recorded for Calcante, GIA, and is currently working on a new recording with Raven. He is also featured on an album by the rock band Shiny Toy Guns. He often leads hymn festivals across the nation for churches of all denominations, where his professional and collaborative presence is especially valued. In addition, he frequently performs silent film accompaniments along with more concerts featuring both solo and ensemble organ works. He is known for musical and accessible programs, drawing enthusiastic and young audiences. Dr. Schwandt is under management with OrganoGenesis Artists.  

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His formal organ studies include time spent with George Damp at the Lawrence Conservatory of Music, John Ferguson at St. Olaf College, and Larry Smith at Indiana University, where he earned a prestigious Performer’s Certificate in addition to his graduate degrees. Schwandt has participated and won numerous notable organ competitions, including a first place unanimous jury decision in the 1998 National Competition in Organ Improvisation.

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John Schwandt lives in Uniontown, OH with his wife, Kristin, and their miniature Schnauzer, Einstein.