My current academic position is Assistant Professor of Organ and University Organist at Syracuse University’s Setnor School of Music. Syracuse University has a long and storied organ program, due in large part to the legacy of distinguished organ professor Arthur Poister, who taught at the university from 1948—1967. It was under Poister’s tenure that the university engaged Walter Holtkamp, Sr. to build a three-manual organ in what was then called Crouse Auditorium (now Setnor Auditorium) in 1950 and a second three-manual organ in Hendricks Chapel in 1952. I have the privilege of teaching lessons and classes to undergraduates and masters students on these fine instruments. In addition to private organ lessons, I teach a rotation of classes, including Organ Literature, Figured Bass Accompaniment, Service Playing, Organ Improvisation, and a graduate music history review course.
As University Organist, I serve as artistic director for the Music and Message Concert Series, accompany the Hendricks Chapel Choir, and play for chapel worship services and special university events.
Prior to my appointment at Syracuse, I taught Healthy Keyboard Technique, Organ Pedagogy, and a four-semester Organ Repertoire sequence at the University of Rochester’s Eastman School of Music. I returned to the Eastman faculty as Visiting Professor of Organ for the 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 academic years.
I love teaching and engaging with students of all ages. One of the things I like about working at a large university like Syracuse is the chance to prepare students for the numerous opportunities to perform on campus, whether that be an organ demonstration for alumni on homecoming weekend, a late-night Halloween concert, or worship at Hendricks Chapel.
I care deeply about cultivating the next generation of organists and have enjoyed leading educational programs for youth, including a Pipe Organ Encounter Advanced, a Summer of Opportunity Employment Program with the City of Rochester, and a Summer Organ Academy at the Eastman School of Music. I also coordinate the annual Arthur Poister Scholarship Competition for young organists and host annual demonstrations for school-age children and the campus community.
Anne Laver 