Vicki Schaeffer is currently Director of Music and Organist at St. Thomas More University Parish and Student Center in Norman, OK. A church musician since the age of 14, her previous positions have included serving various denominations in Oklahoma, Hawaii, Indiana, and Ohio.

 

Vicki has spent most of her career as a teacher, serving as a faculty member at both secondary and collegiate level institutions. She has taught as an adjunct instructor at the University of Oklahoma, teaching church music classes and organ lessons.  She also taught at Chaminade University in Honolulu, where her primary duty was teaching at Oahu’s military bases.Her organ students have gone on to matriculate at various institutions including Indiana University, Yale University, Notre Dame University, the University of Michigan, and the Eastman School of Music. 

 

As an educator, Vicki has given workshops on a variety of topics related to the organ and church music.  Presenting at regional and national American Guild of Organist conventions, local AGO chapter meetings, and a Church Music Institute conference, her workshops on organ repertoire for church service, service playing, choral conducting have been well received by many.  Focusing on her doctoral dissertation, “An Historical Survey of Shaker Hymnody Expressing the Christian Virtues of Innocence and Simplicity”, she has also presented on that topic as well. 

 

As a recitalist, she combines standard organ repertoire with hymn based works to reach an eclectic audience.  Always the educator, she specializes in lecture recitals, ensuring that the audience can fully appreciate what they hear.  

 

Vicki is a graduate of Indiana University, receiving a Doctor of Music degree with a double major in organ performance and church music.  Her primary teacher was Marilyn Keiser.  She also holds degrees from Kent State University (MM)  and Mount Union College (BME), where she studied with Larry Smith, John Herr, Arthur Lindstrom, and Marshall Bailey.  She is a member of the American Guild of Organists, having served as National Councillor for Membership for four years, and Regional Councillor for the Southwest for six years.  She is also a member of the Association of Anglican Musicians, serving on the Professional Concerns and Development Committee, the National Association of Pastoral Musicians, and the Royal Canadian College of Organists. 

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