Kyle Johnson - Organist, Composer, Educator

Biography

Kyle Johnson (b. 1971) is a pastor, theologian, organist, composer, choral conductor, and music educator.

Johnson has performed organ recitals and hymn festivals across the United States, led organ masterclasses and choral workshops, and shared lectures on his experience performing seldom-heard cantatas, requiems, and other larger works accessible to the average volunteer church choir. His publishing activity has centered on church choral and organ music, including commissioned works.

Johnson holds the Doctor of Musical Arts degree in organ performance from the University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory of Music and Dance, where he studied with John Ditto. He also holds music degrees from Indiana University and Bethany College (Lindsborg, KS), where he studied organ with Larry Smith and Pamela Ruiter-Feenstra, respectively. Johnson has taught at four colleges and universities.

Following a new vocation, Johnson completed the Master of Divinity degree at the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago, and was ordained as a pastor in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. He currently serves as pastor at Our Saviour Lutheran Church, Lansing, Illinois.

"While I love these traditional stylings, I also admire composers who take risks by exploring how to clothe old material in new styles. How about Kyle Johnson’s Variations on Engelberg (MorningStar 10-694)? His sparkly, multi-meter “Prelude Dance” is no ordinary partita - nor is his very easy, mystical “Offertory.” But nothing heard so far will prepare you for his “Swing That Postlude.” Kyle is unabashed in his use of “big band” rhythms and harmonies, creating a tap-your-toe atmosphere that will spread smiles across the room. There is nothing here to put off the intermediate organist, including the string bass pedal solo. Played on just the right occasion, you might even get a raise!"

--- Christopher Cook, from his article "Retiring Thoughts" in his monthly column

"The Practical Organist." The American Organist magazine, November 2017.

Published works - click to preview

Augsburg Organ Library Series II: Christmas, organ. Contributed a setting of Jüngst (How Great Our Joy!). Minneapolis, MN: Augsburg Fortress. ISBN: 9781506448084.

Christ, Whose Glory Fills the Skies, choral arrangement, SAB with piano. Franklin Park, IL: World Library Publications. Product number: 008976.

I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say, choral arrangement, SATB a cappella with baritone solo. Franklin Park, IL: World Library Publications. Product number: 009402.

Jesus Christ, the Appletree, choral composition, SATB with piano. Franklin Park, IL: World Library Publications. Product number: 009466.

Jesus is a Rock in a Weary Land, choral arrangement, SATB with piano. St. Louis, MO: MorningStar Music Publishers. Product number: MSM 50-6104.

Lamb of God, choral arrangement, SA(T)B with piano. Minneapolis, MN: Augsburg Fortress. ISBN: 9781451451641.

Lord, I'm Coming Home, choral arrangement, SATB with piano. Franklin Park, IL: World Library Publications. Product number: 009460.

My Faith, It Is an Oaken Staff, choral arrangement, SATB with viola and piano. Franklin Park, IL: World Library Publications. Item number: 009079.

O Lord, Support Us All the Day Long, choral composition, SATB a cappella. Indianapolis, IN: Colla Voce Music, LLC. Part number: 15-94650.

Raise the Glad Refrain: Easter Trumpet Tunes for Organ, organ arrangements with optional trumpet. Minneapolis, MN: Augsburg Fortress. ISBN: 9781506496030.

Saw You Never, in the Twilight, choral arrangement, SATB with organ/piano. Franklin Park, IL: World Library Publications. Product number: 005923.

Three Introits Based on Collects from the Book of Common Prayer, original choral composition, SATB a cappella with soprano solo. Franklin Park, IL: World Library Publications. Product number: 009037.

Variations on Engelberg, organ variations. St. Louis, MO: MorningStar Music Publishers. Product number: 10-694.

Weddings and More: Simplified Ceremonial Music for Organ, organ arrangements. Franklin Park, IL: World Library Publications. Product number: 003026.

What Child is This, choral arrangement, SAB with flute and piano. Santa Barbara, CA: Santa Barbara Music Publishing. Product number: SBMP 1264.

When Jesus Wept, choral arrangement, SATB a cappella. Franklin Park, IL: World Library Publications. Item number: G-009047.