Marilyn Mason is University Organist and Chairman of the Organ Department at the University of Michigan. She earned the Master of Music degree from the University of Michigan and Doctor of Sacred Music from Union Theological Seminary. Her extensive career as concert organist, lecturer, adjudicator, and teacher has carried her throughout the musical world. She was the first American woman to play in Westminster Abbey, the first woman organist to play in Latin America and the first American to play in Egypt.

During a single year, invitations took her to five continents.  Professor Mason has served as judge at nearly every major organ competition in the world.  Her dedication to contemporary music is evidenced in the 65 works that she has commissioned and premiered.  Currently, she is pursuing her commitment to stylistic integrity through research into the construction and tonal design of historic European instruments.  Twenty research tours have focused on historic organs in Europe.

In 1987, Marilyn Mason was awarded a Doctor of Music degree honoris causa by the University of Nebraska.  She was honored as the “1988 Performer of the Year” by the New York Chapter of the American Guild of Organists.  Her discography includes music of Bach, Pachelbel,  Handel,  Mondonville, and contemporary composers on Columbia and Musical Heritage Society. A recent recording on Albany Records included Concertos by Petr Eben, Emma Lou Diemer, Leo Sowerby, and Gospel Preludes, Vol IV, of William Bolcom.  She is presently recording the organ music of Johannes Pachelbel for the Musical Heritage Society.