The undergraduate organ program includes a broad array of academic courses in addition to a rigorous professional education in music. Students enrolled in the program address a wide range of material designed to develop artistic, technical, sight-reading, ensemble and performance ability. Weekly private lessons plus a weekly performance class develop student confidence and skill before an audience. The intensive music curriculum also provides comprehensive training in music literature, pedagogy, business skills and music research. Organ students work to develop and refine technical skills and interpretive techniques through the study and performance of significant works from the organ literature. A strong emphasis is placed on hymn-playing and improvisation; keyboard skills such as realizing figured bass, harmonizing melodies and transposition; major works of the 17th century; contrasting compositions of J.S. Bach, including chorale preludes, fantasias, preludes and fugues, toccatas and fugues, trio sonatas; French and German Romantic works; and works of early, middle and late 20th century. Graduation requirements include two full solo recitals plus two years of choral ensemble.

Organ faculty and the NCSA Touring Office assist candidates in booking off-campus performances, obtaining employment and preparing for competitions. NCSA graduates have earned top prizes in a variety of national and international competitions, regularly appear on concert stages around the world, and are found as leading teachers in higher education and arts institutions nationwide.