
Phil Asgian
Workshop presenter
Expanding Educational Programming and Outreach Around the Pipe Organ
Phil Asgian has served as Education Committee Chair for the Twin Cities Chapter AGO for over 30 years. Initiatives include the establishment of a PipeWorks program that brings a demonstration instrument, lessons on the music, history, and science of the organ to Twin Cities and surrounding area schools, churches, and adult education programs. He also organizes and leads the Twin Cities Chapter annual Pipe Organ Discovery Day program to introduce and encourage young students in playing the organ. A recent project is a collaboration with Minnesota Public Radio's classical music station education coordinator on the development of a series of videos for music teachers to introduce the organ to students young and old. Phil's initial interest and enthusiasm for the organ began while singing in church choirs, where organs were always present. Managing training programs and collaborative technology projects in business and higher education led to building out educational programs for the Twin Cities Chapter. Additionally, he is a long time sponsor of an annual award for the Twin Cities Chapter organ playing competition.