David von Behren
David von Behren is the first organist to receive Cleveland Institute of Music’s (CIM) prestigious Darius Milhaud Award, given each year to a student “who displays qualities of unusual talent and creativity, sensitivity, expressiveness, strong love for and dedication to the musical arts, outstanding musical accomplishment, and evidence of academic excellence.” A native of Falls City, Nebraska, he is an organ performance/music theory double major, studying with Todd Wilson at CIM. Having performed with the CIM Orchestra at Kulas Hall and Severance Hall, David was recently named one of The Diapason’s “20 Under 30”, a group of young organists, organ builders, harpsichordists, and church musicians who show superior accomplishments, leadership, creativity, and innovative thinking. David works as the music intern (associate organist/choir director) at Plymouth Church, UCC in Shaker Heights, Ohio, playing the organ for worship services and working with the choirs, and is also an accomplished pianist and violinist.
“Christian Lane is a revolutionary pedagogue, inspiring and enlivening the next generation of organists. His kind, thoughtful approach sets him apart as one of our nation’s leading teachers. He cultivates a creative spirit within his students coupled with an insatiable desire for musical growth. One of the keys to his students’ success lies in the priority and time he spends teaching each week.
Chris has helped me achieve a heightened musical sensitivity in my playing, an increasingly fluid technique, and an authoritative command of this living and breathing instrument.
Having the fortunate opportunity to study with Chris, I find myself continually inspired by his playing and teaching.
He is one of the most genuinely kindhearted, benevolent teachers I have ever encountered.”