Frequently asked questions

No. The American Organ Institute was a program through the University of Oklahoma created by Dr. John Schwandt. That institution chose to remove this program from their offerings. The American Organ Academy is a 501(c)(3) non-profit founded by Dr. John Schwandt and takes the knowledge and subject matter refined at the AOI but offers it in a new and adaptable way to those who are not able to or choose not to pursue a traditional collegiate career.

The American Organ Academy became a registered non-profit in May 2020. We offered our first seminar in the spring of 2021.

Not necessarily. We offer many different options to try and make education in our field as accessible as possible. If you would like to study with us full-time, we recommend doing so in person. We are exploring a remote option that would allow you to travel a few times each year and complete the multi-year professional service technician certificate. But, we also have part-time study options and seminars. Our seminars take place around the United States at various times of the year. Each seminar is a 2-3 day commitment where we pack as much learning and hands-on experience into your time as possible. We recognize that no one can remember everything so you are more than welcome to record your time with us and then use it for personal review. Part-time study is basically any study that falls in between seminars and our multi-year curriculum. Want to take an organ lesson? Part-time study! Have a few days you want to learn to work on a specific subject? Part-time study! The beauty of this option is that we work to find a mutually agreeable time AND come up with custom curriculum to meet your educational goals. You are even welcome to and encouraged to bring a project to work on during your time with us. Then you can leave with completed work!

Certain classes can be offered remotely. Due to the hands-on nature of this field, most classes need to be done in person. Please refer to our course catalog to see which courses are available online.

The curriculum is based on the courses developed by Dr. Schwandt at the University of Oklahoma. They have been refreshed and restructured to fit our new educational model. All curriculum is run by our Board of Trustees and our Advisory Council who are professionals in the field of the pipe organ.

At this time we do not have a lot of financial aid options available and as a non-profit we do not qualify for traditional financial aid. Certain seminars may have a scholarship option available and will be listed in the event. We are currently building our scholarship fund. Click below if you would like to help us by donating to it.