School of Music Organ/Harpsichord Policy

In order to protect and preserve School of Music organs and harpsichords, an approval process has been developed, similar to the one that is in place for access to the Pasquerilla Center organs. This process will ascertain that accompanists have sufficient knowledge and experience in organ and/or harpsichord playing prior to granting access to School of Music instruments.

Organ Use Policy

It is expected that organists wishing to play the organs are competent and experienced in playing the pipe organ. A list of organists who have been approved to play School of Music organs will be available on the School's Website or by contacting Vincent Benitez. This list includes students who have studied organ at Penn State or are currently taking lessons for credit, as well as professional organists in the community. Anyone who would like to be included on this list should contact School of Music organ instructors, Mary Bahnfleth (bahnfleth@comcast.net) or Vincent Benitez.

Harpsichord Policy

It is expected that individuals wishing to play the School's harpsichords are competent and experienced in playing the harpsichord. To ensure competence, harpsichordists must be approved by a School of Music review committee. A list of harpsichordists who have been approved to play School of Music harpsichords will be available on the School's Website or by contacting Vincent Benitez. This list includes piano majors who have had some instruction in using the harpsichord, as well as professionals in the community who are experienced harpsichordists. Anyone who would like to be included on this list should contact Vincent Benitez.

The School's Herz harpsichord will be used for concerts in Esber unless special permission has been granted for use of the Dowd harpsichord (owned by the Center for the Performing Arts). Moving the harpsichord for concerts in other locations requires special permission and sufficient advance notice to arrange transportation and additional tuning; a fee may be assessed to cover transportation costs.

Harpsichord Workshops

The School of Music will provide occasional non-credit workshops in harpsichord playing for advanced pianists (piano majors and others by invitation). Attendance at a harpsichord workshop is required for any student requesting permission to use the harpsichord for a concert or other performance. Professional accompanists who perform with our students are also welcome to attend these workshops. To be added to the list of those granted access to the harpsichord, a keyboardist may either attend the workshops or follow the above policy to verify harpsichord training. Contact Vincent Benitez if you would like to be notified about upcoming workshops.