Jeffrey Blersch

Professor of Music

Music Department
Chair of Music Department
University Organist
Profile

Jeffrey Blersch is a graduate of the Oberlin College Conservatory of Music, where he received degrees in organ performance and music education, and of the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, where he earned the Doctor of Musical Arts in organ performance. He has studied organ with Roberta Gary, Garth Peacock, and Marilyn Mason, organ improvisation with Haskell Thomson, and choral conducting with Herbert Henke and Daniel Moe. Prior to his appointment at Concordia, he served as Cantor of Trinity Lutheran Church, Peoria, Illinois; as Associate Professor of Music and Music Department chair at Concordia University, Ann Arbor, Michigan; and as an elementary music specialist in the Brunswick City Schools, Brunswick, Ohio.

Blersch has been actively involved in church music since being appointed organist of Peace Lutheran Church, Cincinnati, Ohio, at age eight. He regularly performs recitals and hymn festivals across the United States and is best known for his creative hymn interpretations. He is a distinguished teacher, having received numerous honors and awards, including being listed in Who’s Who among America’s Teachers and Who’s Who in America. He is also a published author and composer of organ and choral works, and in 2006 he released his first compact disc, Resounding Alleluias, which features his own compositions and arrangements.

Blersch and his wife Carla, also an organist, have three children: Aaron, Ryan, and Jenna.

Education

D.M.A., University of Michigan
B.Mus., M.M.T., Oberlin College

Courses taught

Organ, Organ Improvisation, Organ Literature, Service Playing, Music Theory

Other

Published compositions (all with Concordia Publishing House):

2008:
Now All The Vault of Heaven Resounds (SATB, congregation, organ, brass quartet, percussion)
Praise to the Lord, the Almighty (organ, brass quartet, percussion, congregation)
Introductions, Harmonizations, Accompaniments, Interpretations, vol. 5 (organ)
Triptych on “Holy, Holy, Holy” (organ)
Dearest Jesus, We Are Here (SATB, flute, piano)

2007:
A Thousand Voices: 7 Hymn Tune Preludes for Organ, vol. 3 (organ)
Crown Him with Many Crowns (SATB, congregation, organ, brass quartet, percussion)
Infant Holy, Infant Lowly (SATB, flute, piano)
Introductions, Harmonizations, Accompaniments, Interpretations, vol. 4 (organ)

2006:
A Thousand Voices: 7 Hymn Tune Preludes for Organ, vol. 2 (organ)
Introductions, Harmonizations, Accompaniments, Interpretations, vol. 3 (organ)
O Sons and Daughters of the King (unison or 2-part, piano, opt. flute, percussion)

2005:
A Thousand Voices: 7 Hymn Tune Preludes for Organ (organ)
Children Rejoice and Sing, vol. 2 (unison or 2-part, piano, optional flute, percussion, Orff instruments)
Holy Spirit, Light Divine (SATB, piano)
Introductions, Harmonizations, Accompaniments, Interpretations, vol. 1 (organ)
Introductions, Harmonizations, Accompaniments, Interpretations, vol. 2 (organ)
Water, Blood, and Spirit Crying (SATB, congregation, organ, optional trumpet, timpani)

2004:
Children Rejoice and Sing, vol. 1 (unison or 2-part, piano, optional flute, percussion, Orff instruments)
The “O Antiphons of Advent” (2-part mixed chorus, organ, optional handbells)
Variations on “Holy God, We Praise Your Name”  (organ)

1998:
Fanfare and Procession (organ)

1997:
Christ First in Everything (SATB, organ)
Lord, Enthroned in Heavenly Splendor (SATB, organ, congregation)

1996:
Alleluia Verses for the Festivals of the Liturgical Year, set 1 (SATB, organ)
Alleluia Verses for the Festivals of the Liturgical Year, set 2 (SATB, organ)
Lamb of God (SATB)