Miriam Zach

Dr. Miriam Zach is an Adjunct Associate Professor of Music and the inaugural Charles and Mary Sukup Endowed Artist in Organ at Iowa State University. She holds a Ph.D. from the University of Chicago and has held roles such as Dean of the Central Iowa American Guild of Organists (2020–2023) and Membership/Treasurer (2023–present). She is also Director of Music/Organist at St. John’s Episcopal Church (2016–present) and Founding Director of the International Festival of Women Composers, now in its 29th year. Her work bridges musicology, organ performance, and advocacy for women composers.

Education: Degrees from Northwestern University and the University of Chicago, followed by European studies with Jobst Hermann Koch in Germany and teaching roles at Universität Bielefeld (Germany) and Rome (Italy). She has been recognized as Professor of the Year (2000–2001) at the University of Florida.

Research focuses on women composers, Baroque chamber music (as a member of the Alachua Consort), and interdisciplinary music studies. Her publications include books on music history and women composers, alongside recordings like Hidden Treasures. She performs frequently on NPR’s Pipedreams and international festivals.

Advising and grants: Mentor to organ and harpsichord students at Iowa State, with notable performances through her studio. Her work includes community outreach via the Organ Historical Society and Orgelkids educational events.

Labs/teams: Leads the ISU Organ Studio and Alachua Consort, fostering collaborative projects like the annual women composers festival and interdisciplinary music-health initiatives.