John Nothaft from Vienna, Virginia, serves as Director of Music Ministries at Lewinsville Presbyterian Church in McLean, VA where he works as organist and choirmaster, and created and curates their “Holy Happy Hour” series since joining the Church in Summer 2018. John leads the Chancel Choir, Chancel Bells, and Lewinsville Choristers. John received his first organ lessons at Lewinsville through the Potomac Organ Institute (Which he now coordinates) with former Director of Music Dr. Ed Moore, and is proud to steward Lewinsville’s excellent tradition of fine music and cultivate his passion for Sacred Music where it first took off. He is so appreciative of Lewinsville’s generosity towards him from a young age and is pleased to further nurture and minister musicians and worshippers of all ages in his role.
John graduated with his M.M. 18’ from the studio of David Higgs at The Eastman School of Music. John received his B.M. 16’ from the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music and Hutton Honors College, studying with Janette Fishell. He is first prize winner of the NFMC Collegiate Organ Competition. John also recently assisted the 64 member, Arlington Chorale, as accompanist. John serves as coordinator of the Potomac Organ Institute, providing a year of free organ lessons to passionate musicians in the D.C. area, and as Member Liaison for the D.C. Chapter of the American Guild of Organists. John is an USPTA-certified tennis pro. John’s children’s book “Old McHandel & His Musical Farm” is on sale in major music institutions throughout the U.S., Europe, and through Amazon.