Embodiment of Expression: Healthy Approaches to Making Music at the Keyboard

The Department of Organ at the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance will host its annual Organ Conference on Monday, October 5, 2026.

Please join us October 5 for presentations and performances, including:

• Melissa Plamann, organist, performance coach, and author of Unnerved: the Performer’s Guide to Managing Anxiety
• Joe Gascho, Associate Professor of Music
• Paola Savvidou, SMTD Wellness Program Manager
• Bruce Edwards and Allie Heckman, Michigan Medicine audiologists
• Lexie Muir-Pappas, Michigan Medicine occupational therapist

Plus…

• A faculty organ concert with Nicole Keller, Caroline Robinson, and Joseph Gascho at Hill Auditorium
• A student organ recital at Hill Auditorium
• A student carillon recital at Lurie Tower

2026 Symposium Schedule

Monday 10/5/2026

Earl V. Moore Building, 1100 Baits Dr. Ann Arbor, MI 48109

9:15-10:15 McIntosh Theatre

• Melissa Plamann, Chair of Organ – Oklahoma City University – “Unnerved: Managing Performance Anxiety”

10:30-11:30 Britton Recital Hall

• Bruce Edwards and Allie Heckman, audiologists- “Hearing Health for Pipe Organists: Don’t Pull out the Stops”

11:30 Lunch on your own at Pierpont Commons

12:00 Carillon Student Showcase Recital at Lurie Tower

1:15-2:15 Blanche Anderson Moore Organ Recital Hall

• Joseph Gascho, Associate Professor of Music – SMTD – “Practicing Mindful Practicing & Well-Tempered Self-Tuning”

2:30-3:30 Watkins Lecture Hall

• Lexie Muir-Pappas, occupational therapist and certified hand therapist – “Protecting Your Arms and Hands: Common Injuries and How to Prevent Them”

3:30 Break, social time with presenters, coffee

4:00-5:00 Blanche Anderson Moore Organ Recital Hall

• Paola Savvidou, SMTD Wellness Program Manager – “The Thriving Keyboardist: Strategies for Preventing Burnout”

5:00 – 6:00 Blanche Anderson Moore Organ Recital Hall

• Panel Discussion

8:00 U-M Faculty Organ Recital at Hill Auditorium (Central Campus)