Douglas Major

Douglas R. Major (born 1953 in Berwick, Pennsylvania) is an American composer of sacred music and concert organist. He is the former choral director and organist at the Washington National Cathedral, Washington, D.C., where he frequently performed on nationally televised services and state occasions. He has made several recordings.

Following his tenure at the cathedral between 1974 and 2002, he moved to Massachusetts to concentrate on concert touring and composing. He also became music director at St. Michael’s Episcopal Church in Marblehead, serving there until retiring in 2019.

Early life and education Major was born in Berwick, Pennsylvania, and at the age of 6 began piano lessons with his grandmother, Rhoda Fetterman. In 1966 Major's family moved to Charleston, West Virginia, where he studied organ with Flora Kuendig. While in Charleston, he held organist positions at Redeemer Lutheran Church, and then at First Presbyterian Church, both in South Charleston. In 1969, his family moved to St. Louis, where he studied organ with Franklin Perkins while in high school at Lindbergh HS. He attended the University of Missouri/St. Louis, where he commenced organ studies with Ronald Arnatt, while serving as his assistant organist at Christ Church Cathedral (St. Louis, Missouri). Major earned a Bachelor of Music degree from Webster University there.

Recordings and compositions Major has made eight compact disc recordings playing the Washington Cathedral's large pipe organ. In 2009, he released a CD of trumpet and organ music entitled Hope, with trumpeter Richard Watson, recorded at Methuen Memorial Music Hall. Major's compositions for organ and choir include: Concertino Festival Te Deum Love Poem to God, commissioned by the American Guild of Organists Mary's Lullaby Requiem in C Minor, premiered in Atlanta in 2005 Sing to the Lord a new song Cape Ann Portraits, a suite for organ based upon locations along the Massachusetts coastline

Personal life Major lives in Salem, Massachusetts. He retired in 2019 as music director at St. Michael’s Episcopal Church in nearby Marblehead, following 16 years of service there.