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. Since joining the church in 2018, John has created and curated Lewinsville’s “Holy Happy Hour” series. In addition, he leads the Chancel Choir, Chancel Bells, and Lewinsville Choristers.
John received his first organ lessons at Lewinsville through the Potomac Organ Institute with former Director of Music Dr. Ed Moore. Now, John 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. John is pleased to further nurture and minister musicians and worshippers of all ages in his role.
John graduated with his M.M. in 2018 from the studio of David Higgs at The Eastman School of Music. John received his B.M. in 2016 from the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music and Hutton Honors College. There he studied 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 Dean of the D.C. Chapter of the American Guild of Organists. He recently led the Potomac Organ Institute, providing a year of free organ lessons to passionate musicians in the D.C. area.
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.
John enjoys performing piano duets and sometimes trios with his cats, Bert and Vincent, and most especially with his fiancée Sarah, on violin.