Music Ministry

Our music program is under the direction of Jason Kissel.

As Director of Music and Organist at The First and Franklin Street Presbyterian Church, Baltimore, MD, since 2000, Jason Kissel has built a dynamic music program reflecting the congregation’s mission and diversity. Mr. Kissel is also a candidate for the Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Organ Performance at the Peabody Conservatory of the Johns Hopkins University, where he has studied with and served as teaching assistant to Donald Sutherland. The faculty of the Peabody Conservatory recently awarded the James Winship Lewis Memorial Award to Mr. Kissel for his contributions to the educational and musical life of the Peabody community. Mr. Kissel is also Dean of the Baltimore Chapter of The American Guild of Organists (AGO) and maintains a private teaching studio in Baltimore. 

A native of Irwin, Pennsylvania, Mr. Kissel has held staff positions at Shadyside Presbyterian Church, Pittsburgh, PA, as Scholar in Church Music and sabbatical replacement for John Walker. Mr. Kissel earned the Master of Music degree in Sacred Music and Organ from Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA, where upon graduation he was presented with the André Marchal Award for excellence in performance. He received the Bachelor of Music degree from Westminster College, New Wilmington, PA, as an organ student of John Walker, and conducting student of Angela Broeker. Mr. Kissel has held organ-teaching positions at The Pennsylvania State University, (State College Campus), Chatham College, Pittsburgh, PA and Westminster College, New Wilmington, PA. 

Mr. Kissel’s professional engagements include the accompanying of five European choral tours, with performances at Westminster Abbey and other notable venues. In 2003, he served as resident organist at Wells Cathedral in England for one week, working with English conductor Andrew Fletcher. In 2004, Mr. Kissel spent ten days in Seoul, Korea, accompanying the touring choir of the Young-Nak Presbyterian Church. Recital highlights include a solo performance at the Washington National Cathedral that was broadcast over radio station WQED FM, Pittsburgh, and performing Poulenc’s Concerto for Organ and Saint-Saëns’ Organ Symphony with members of the Peabody Symphony. Since placing first in the 1997 Region III Competition of the AGO held in Washington DC, Mr. Kissel has been presented in recital at national and regional conventions of the AGO. Among other honors, Mr. Kissel received the 2004 Outstanding Young Alumni Award for professional accomplishment from Westminster College.