Welcome to the World of Tedde Gibson

Tedde Gibson is among a select group of musicians distinguished by their proficiency in classical and theatre pipe organ performance, as well as jazz and gospel music on the Hammond organ and piano. He seamlessly integrates these diverse musical traditions into his performances on both theatre and classical pipe organs, demonstrating exceptional versatility, artistry, and technical mastery.

A native of Tacoma, Washington, Mr. Gibson began studying piano at the age of four under the guidance of Gail Brooks and the late Dorothy Bade. He subsequently pursued organ studies with the late Dr. Edward Hansen, President of the American Guild of Organists and Professor of Organ at the University of Puget Sound (UPS). At UPS, he also studied piano with Dr. Stephen Moore and voice with Dr. Thomas Goleeke. His additional studies included work with Dr. J. Melvin Butler of the University of Washington and classical improvisation with David Dahl, Organist Emeritus of Pacific Lutheran University. While attending the University of Washington, he continued his organ studies under Dr. Carol Terry. He also received coaching from internationally recognized theatre organists Jonas Nordwall of Portland, Oregon, and the late Andy Crow of Olympia, Washington. Mr. Gibson previously served as organist at First Assembly of God/Life Center in Tacoma and First AME Church in Seattle.

Following his relocation to the East Coast, Mr. Gibson studied with Dr. Mickey Thomas Terry of Howard University, editor of an eleven-volume anthology of music by African American composers. He also attended the Peabody Conservatory, where he studied in the organ studio of Dr. John Walker and received additional coaching from Donald Sutherland.

Mr. Gibson is the former Chairman of the Board of Directors of the American Theatre Organ Society (ATOS), a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving the theatre organ, its history, and performance practices while fostering appreciation and education for this uniquely American instrument. He is the first African American to serve in this leadership position.

Throughout his career, Mr. Gibson has recorded, accompanied, and collaborated with numerous acclaimed gospel and jazz artists, including Jennifer Holliday, Ernest Pugh, Twinkie Clark, Edmonia Jarrett, Gaye Arbuckle, Melba Moore, Shawn McLemore, and Mario Cantone, among others.

For eighteen years, he served as Organist and Musician-in-Residence at First Baptist Church of Highland Park in Landover, Maryland. In addition, he taught general vocal music for fourteen years at Highland Park Christian Academy in Landover.

Mr. Gibson currently serves as Chief of Fine Arts at Mount Pleasant Church and Ministries in Baltimore, Maryland; Organist at Capitol Hill Seventh-day Adventist Church in Washington, D.C.; and House Organist for the Weinberg Center for the Performing Arts in Frederick, Maryland. He is also an Artist and Tonal Professional with R. A. Daffer Organs of Jessup, Maryland, representing the Allen Organ Company of Macungie, Pennsylvania in Baltimore City and County, . In addition to his performance and consulting work, he maintains a private studio, teaching both piano and organ.

As a performer, educator, and consultant, Mr. Gibson appears regularly throughout the United States, presenting workshops, providing consultation on new organ design and installation projects, accompanying silent films, performing concerts, and educating audiences about both theatre and classical pipe organ traditions. He has been featured at conventions hosted by the Organ Historical Society, the American Guild of Organists, and the American Theatre Organ Society.