Deaths on March 26

David Craighead, American organist and educator (b. 1924)

David Craighead, born on January 24, 1924, in Strasburg, Pennsylvania, was a profoundly respected American organist whose life was dedicated to music, education, and performance. He left an indelible mark on the world of classical organ music through his teaching, extensive recordings, and distinguished career spanning nearly seven decades. He passed away on March 26, 2012, at the age of 88 in his Rochester, New York home.

Early Life and Foundational Education

David Craighead’s musical journey began early, leading him to the prestigious Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Here, he honed his craft under the tutelage of the renowned organist Alexander McCurdy, eventually earning his Bachelor of Music degree in 1946. It was during his formative years at Curtis that he met Marian Reiff, a fellow student of McCurdy, who would later become his wife in 1948, forming a lifelong partnership built on shared passion for music.

A Pillar of the Eastman School of Music

In 1955, Craighead embarked on a highly influential academic career at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York, one of the world's leading music conservatories. He held the esteemed dual positions of Professor of Organ and Chair of the Organ Division within the Keyboard Department. For nearly four decades, until his retirement in the summer of 1992, Professor Craighead shaped generations of organists, imparting his vast knowledge and profound musicality. His dedication to teaching excellence was recognized with Eastman's inaugural Eisenhart Award for Teaching Excellence, a testament to his impact on his students and the institution.

Dedicated Service to the Church

Beyond his significant academic contributions, David Craighead also committed himself to church music. He served with unwavering dedication as the organist for St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Rochester, New York, a position he held for an impressive 48 years. His long tenure at St. Paul's allowed him to enrich countless services and community events with his masterful performances, blending spiritual devotion with musical artistry.

An Acclaimed Performer and Recording Artist

As a performer, David Craighead was celebrated both nationally and internationally. He was a featured artist at numerous national conventions and international congresses of the American Guild of Organists (AGO), a leading professional organization for organists in the United States. His exceptional talent was formally recognized when the New York City chapter of the American Guild of Organists voted him the 1983 International Performer of the Year. Through his recordings, Craighead introduced a broad audience to a diverse repertoire, performing works by celebrated composers such as Johann Sebastian Bach, Pierre du Mage, César Franck, Felix Mendelssohn, Olivier Messiaen, and Louis Vierne, alongside contemporary pieces by Samuel Adler, William Albright, and Lou Harrison, showcasing his versatility and commitment to both historical and modern organ literature.

Distinguished Honors and Enduring Legacy

Craighead’s contributions to music were widely acknowledged with numerous honors throughout his life. In June 1968, Lebanon Valley College in Annville, Pennsylvania, bestowed upon him an honorary Doctor of Music degree. He was also named an honorary Fellow of the Royal College of Organists, a prestigious institution recognizing excellence in organ playing and teaching. His enduring legacy at the Eastman School of Music was permanently etched in history in the fall of 2008, when the renowned Craighead-Saunders pipe organ at Christ Church was dedicated in honor of him and his fellow Eastman organ professor, Russell Saunders, a fitting tribute to two giants of organ pedagogy.

Later Years and Passing

David Craighead spent his later years in Rochester, New York, where he had dedicated so much of his professional life. He passed away peacefully at his Valley Manor home at the age of 88, survived by his daughter, Betsy, and his son, Jim, leaving behind a rich legacy that continues to inspire musicians and organ enthusiasts worldwide.

Frequently Asked Questions About David Craighead

Who was David Craighead?

David Craighead was a distinguished American organist and educator, widely respected for his teaching at the Eastman School of Music and his extensive performance career.

What was his primary professional affiliation?

He is best known for his nearly four-decade tenure at the Eastman School of Music, where he served as Professor of Organ and Chair of the Organ Division.

What was his contribution to church music?

Craighead was the dedicated organist of St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Rochester, New York, for 48 years.

What were some of his notable achievements and honors?

He was named the 1983 International Performer of the Year by the American Guild of Organists, received an honorary Doctor of Music degree, and had the Craighead-Saunders pipe organ dedicated in his honor at Christ Church.

What kind of music did David Craighead perform and record?

He performed a wide range of classical organ music, from Baroque masters like J.S. Bach to Romantic composers like César Franck and modern works by Olivier Messiaen and contemporary artists.