French Improvisation Masterclass

Ann Labounsky, Ph.D, FAGO, Ch.M., Chair of Organ and Sacred Music at Duquesne University where she oversees undergraduate and graduate programs in sacred music. She serves as Organ Artist in Residence at First Lutheran Church and Organist at the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer in Pittsburgh.
She is an active member of the American Guild of Organists and has worked as Director of the National Committee on Improvisation, and Councilor for Education for the AGO. Labounsky is the author of the biography for Jean Langlais, "Jean Langlais: the Man and His Music." She recorded the complete organ works by Jean Langlais (26 cds) for the MHS now released on Voix de Vent Recordings and performed in a DVD of his life based on this biography, a project sponsored by the Los Angeles AGO Chapter. Her most recent work involved the AGO webinar on Langlais’ performance practices and improvisation.
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XY1vkdcQvE4&t=86s)

Dr. Ann Labounsky

September 19, 2026
Refreshments at 9:00 am
Masterclass 9:30 - 11:30

First Congregational Church, Columbus

During this workshop, Dr. Labounsky will demonstrate how to improvise with ease in the simpler forms such as ABA, Chorale Preludes, phrase extensions and how use these skills in his/her church work. We will include the techniques of improvising a toccata.

We will talk about the importance of antiphons, harmonizing the modes, and how the basis to improvisation is rooted in Gregorian Chant.