Pipe Organ Encounter Advanced
June 21–26, 2026
Pipe Organ Encounters (POE) is an educational outreach program of the American Guild of Organists intended to introduce the organ to young people and adults. POEs generally last five days, and include group and individual instruction, performances by guest artists, and field trips to visit and hear notable instruments.
POE - Advanced (POEA) is for young organists (no younger than 13 and no older than 18) entering grades 9-12 (or about to enter college) who play the organ at an advanced level. Participants must submit an audition recording and other supporting materials in order to apply to the POEA.
Deadline to apply is May 1, 2026.
June 21-26, Hartford, Conn.
Greater Hartford Chapter
POEA Faculty
-
Ken Cowan
-
Nathaniel Gumbs
-
Margaret Harper
-
Christopher Houlihan
-
Lindsey Johnson
-
Amanda Mole
Week Highlights
-
Housing in air conditioned dorms at Trinity College
-
Trip to hear organs in New Haven and Yale University
-
Visit to Austin Organs, Inc. workshop
-
Daily lessons on instruments throughout Hartford
-
Faculty recitals and other local performances
-
Concludes with a recital by POEA participants at Trinity College Chapel on the Austin Organ
Major funding for POEs is provided by the Associated Pipe Organ Builders of America. Additional support is provided by the American Institute of Organbuilders and the Jordan Organ Endowment. POE scholarships are provided by the AGO New Organist Fund.