The following members of the Philadelphia AGO Chapter have asked to be placed on this list of organ teachers. The Chapter is providing this as a convenience to those who are interested in locating a teacher. The Chapter has not vetted these teacher’s experience or abilities.

Maximillian Esmus
Background
Associate AGO Certification (AAGO), BA Music Theory & Composition, MM Choral Conducting, Organ study with Christine Clewell, Jeffrey Brillhart, Sandor Kadar; 1-10 years teaching experience
Teacher Statement
I primarily teach adult and young adult students who have existing piano proficiency and are working on making the transition to organ. I also work with organists who are preparing for the Service Playing, Colleague, or Associate AGO certification exams. Instruction is tailored to each student's needs, with an emphasis on calm, confident pedal technique and musicality that maximizes the expressive capabilities of the pipe organ. I am able to help students gain access to a practice instrument.
Location
West Chester, PA at Calvary Lutheran Church
Contact Information
mcesmus@gmail.com    
570-637-2566

 

Sandor Kadar
Background
Master's degree in sacred music and FAGO; over 10 years teaching experience
Teacher Statement  
During my 20 years of teaching experience, I've taught individuals aged between 15 and 75 who were at different skill levels. I have experience teaching organ literature, organ improvisation, and service playing. I have prepared organists for job interviews, college auditions, and also for CAGO and AAGO exams of the AGO.
Location
West Chester
Contact Information
sandor.kadar82@gmail.com   
609-540-6548
https://sandorkadar.com/

 

Kathleen Scheide
Background
BM, MM New England Conservatory (Frank Taylor) DMA University of Southern California (Cherry Rhodes); over 10 years teaching experience
Teacher Statement
I teach anyone whose feet can reach the pedals - young students, church pianists, hobbyists, professionals. I may be able to help locate practice sites. My background is in harpsichord and organ and I provide classical training.
Location
Bucks County, Philadelphia, West Chester
Contact Information
kathleenscheide@gmail.com
609-712-3119
https://www.kathleenscheide.com/

 

Thomas H. Williams
Background
Organ studies with Peter DeWitt and David Enlow; MM, BM.
Teacher Statement
Will work with adults and high school age students with some piano background who wish to learn the organ, with a focus on both effective service playing and technique and literature. Practice time at my church can be made available; also willing to consider teaching at the student’s location on a case-by-case basis. I will encourage students to gain experience with a wide range of organs, reflecting the huge variety of unique instruments that can be found in the organ world, and will help to facilitate this when possible.
Location
Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Abington, PA
Contact Information
Musician@holytrinity.net
404-403-7492
https://www.youtube.com/@thomashobsonwilliams