Dr. Ina Slater Grapenthin, a native of Reading, PA, is nationally known as an organ clinician, recitalist and author. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education from the Ithaca College School of Music, a Master’s Degree in Organ and Sacred Music from the University of Michigan, a Master’s Degree in Education and a Doctorate in Education and Pedagogy from Columbia University, NYC. Grapenthin also attended the Oberlin Conservatory and the Hochschule für Musik in Berlin, Germany and holds a Performance Certificate from both institutions. She has studied with notable organists such as: Michael Schneider, Hochschule für Musik, Berlin; Haskell Thompson, Oberlin Conservatory; Robert Clarke, University of Michigan; Frederick Swann, Riverside Church, NYC and pedagogy with Robert Pace, Columbia University.
Presently, she is a Professor of Music and Education at Kutztown University where she has been since 1978. She was responsible for the Kutztown Academy for Church Organists and directed field classes for church musicians internationally. Recently, Dr. Grapenthin directed the North American Organ Competition, in cooperation with Rodgers Instruments. She herself has been a Director of Music/Organist in churches since the age of eleven. Presently Dr. Grapenthin serves as the Director of Music at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Kutztown, PA.
Dr. Grapenthin’s articles include: Music to the Brain, Basics to Turn Pianists into Good Organists, Playing Simple Melodies on Bells and Chimes, Introducing Children To the Organ, How to Put Some Smooth Moves Into Your Playing, The Amen, a Musical Affirmation of Faith, Learning When to Stop (Demystifying the Mechanics of Registration), Five Ways to Brighter, Better Hymn Playing, Building A Successful Children’s Program, Attention Please and Does Your Right Hand Know What Your Left Foot is Doing, In an attempt to answer parents question, “Is my child ready for piano study?” Dr. Grapenthin created Mr. Mouse Discovers the Magic of Music, a pre-school music curriculum. She has also authored the book entitled, The Organist’s Compendium - Making the Transition from Piano to Organ.
Dr. Grapenthin has served as the Director of Early Development at the Pennsylvania Academy of Music in Lancaster, PA. You will find Dr. Grapenthin's name listed in Who's Who in Religion, and the International Directory of Distinguished Leadership.
Her organ CD, entitled Prestant, is currently on the shelves at Barnes and Noble. She is an honorary member of Tau Beta Sigma (women in music) Kappa Delta Pi, an honorary appointment for excellence in teaching and education and Phi Beta Delta, for her international scholarship.