Jeffrey Blersch

Jeffrey Blersch

Professor of Music

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. His principal teachers have included Roberta Gary, Garth Peacock, and Marilyn Mason. Prior to his appointment at Concordia, Dr. Blersch served as Cantor of Trinity Lutheran Church, Peoria, Ill., Associate Professor of Music at Concordia University, Ann Arbor, Mich, and as an elementary music specialist in the Brunswick City Schools, Brunswick, Ohio.

Blersch has been an active church musician since being appointed organist of Peace Lutheran Church, Cincinnati, Ohio, at age eight. Best known for his creative hymn interpretations, he regularly performs recitals and hymn festivals across the United States. Recent appearances have included hymn festivals at conventions of the American Guild of Organists and Association of Lutheran Church Musicians.

Blersch is also an active composer; over fifty of his compositions and collections are published exclusively with Concordia Publishing House and four of his original hymn tunes are included in Lutheran Service Book (2006). His first compact disc recording, , which features his own compositions and arrangements, was released in 2006 and new recordings on Concordia’s Casavant organ are in the preparation stages.

Blersch also serves as an organist and choir director at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Staplehurst, Neb. He 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:

2009
Alleluia! Sing to Jesus (SATB, organ, brass quartet, percussion, congregation)
Wake, Awake, for Night is Flying (organ, brass quartet, percussion, congregation)

2008
Dearest Jesus, We Are Here (organ)
Introductions and Harmonizations, vol. 5 (organ)
Now All the Vault of Heaven Resounds (SATB, organ, brass quartet, percussion)
Praise to the Lord, the Almighty (SATB, organ, brass quartet, percussion)
Tryptich on “Holy, Holy, Holy” (organ)

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

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

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

2004
Children Rejoice and Sing, vol. 1 (Unison or 2-part, piano, flute, percussion)
and Orff Instruments The O Antiphons of Advent (2-Part mixed chorus, organ, 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 Festivals of the Liturgical Year, set 1 (SATB, organ)
Alleluia Verses for Festivals of the Liturgical Year, set 2 (SATB, organ)
Lamb of God (SATB)