The Complex Journey to Career Organist

by Maureen Klues ’01

Regardless of its relatively small size, Quincy University continues to attract big talent. QU student, Jesse Mose, is a gifted musician who has high hopes for his future as a professional organist.

Jesse always knew that music was in his future. “In high school, I composed and conducted one of my first compositions for wind ensemble. It was at that moment when I realized that I wanted to pursue music in college.”

Jesse is an Organ Performance major, considering a minor in Theology. His journey began with an offer from QU. “I learned about QU through a letter inviting me to a music department event. Before then, I really did not know much about QU. I was the recipient of a full tuition Music Virtuoso Scholarship, which helped me decide that it would be a financially good option for me. More importantly, I enjoyed the small campus size and could see myself getting involved in activities on campus and the thriving music department. Little did I know at the time that my dreams would come true.”

Jesse began his college career as a pianist with a strong interest in the organ. Jesse said,

When I began my journey in liturgical music, I was a pianist with not much knowledge of the organ. Upon seeing what an organ looked like from the performer's view, I was intrigued and ready to learn more about this awesome instrument.

“Playing the organ is much more than simply pressing keys, stops, and playing the pedalboard. Being an organist requires one to have a working knowledge of the instrument since it is very complex. Knowing how to bring the text, let's say of a hymn, to life, or learning how to authentically perform various genres of music can be exhilarating and rewarding.”

The organ is the largest musical instrument and one of the oldest, dating back to the 14th century in its current form, and Jesse believes the organ is maintaining a strong future. Although the organ is an instrument that is slowly fading away as the piano and other contemporary instruments take its place in worship services, Jesse says there are still a large number of organists from his generation who choose to include this instrument in their undergraduate and graduate studies.

Jesse adds that Quincy University is giving him the training he needs to be successful in his career.

“From my experience, and with three years of organ study, I have discovered that the education I have been receiving from Quincy University has resulted in being frequently sought out by numerous churches in the Quincy area and beyond. Being a well-rounded and trained organist is what many churches with serious music programs are looking for.”

To enhance his knowledge and skill level, Jesse looks beyond classes.

When I was offered the position to provide music for our chapel liturgies, this was an excellent opportunity to learn how this instrument worked. I took up organ lessons to speed up the process, while learning on the job. I couldn't ask for a better opportunity to gain hands-on experience.

Jesse credits his family, his friends, and his faith with maintaining his motivation to overcome academic challenges and meet his career goals. He explains, “My passion for what I do and my resilience to not give up, give in, or succumb to mistakes and failures in life, have kept me going. Here I am today studying music with some amazing music professors, being able to conduct my own choir, having the opportunity to freelance and even travel to perform music, and many more opportunities than I could ask for. I am truly blessed.”