Judy Congdon

Judy Congdon is Professor of Organ and Harpsichord and College Organist at Houghton University. An active performer, she has played organ recitals across the United States and performed as soloist with the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra in 1996. She serves as organist at Houghton Wesleyan Church and on the board of the Portageville Chapel, a national retreat for organists.

Her educational background includes:

• D.M.A. and M.A. from Eastman School of Music (1990)
• D.W.S. from Robert E. Webber Institute for Worship Studies (2013)
• Diploma from Hochschule für Musik, Frankfurt (1979)
• M.Mus. from University of Colorado (1977)
• B.Mus. from Wheaton College (1975)

Dr. Congdon's research focuses on the history of the organ's use in Christian worship and pipe organ applications in contemporary worship teams. She bridges historical organ practices with modern contexts through workshops for the American Guild of Organists on pedagogy, repertoire, and contemporary worship styles, and as an adjudicator in national organ competitions.

Her publications demonstrate expertise in liturgical organ music, particularly for Christian seasons, with practical resources for Lent/Easter observances and scholarly contributions to worship music discourse.

She has received significant recognition:

• Presser Scholarship at Wheaton College (1975)
• Fulbright Grant for Organ Study in Germany (1977-78)
• Eastman Teaching Excellence Award (1990)

As a professor, Dr. Congdon mentors students in organ and harpsichord performance. Her Fulbright Grant enabled advanced organ studies in Germany, directly enhancing her pedagogy. She has presented faculty lectures at Houghton College on organ music and worship integration.

Professionally active, she serves on the Portageville Chapel board and previously held leadership roles in the Allegany Chapter AGO and Episcopal Diocese of Western New York's Music Commission, contributing to national worship symposiums and regional conventions.