Rulon Christiansen
Rulon Christiansen was born and raised in Utah and first studied piano with his parents, both professional musicians. He studied piano for several years with Frederic Dixon, a pupil of Rafael Joseffy, who studied with Franz Liszt. He also studied the organ with Tabernacle organists, Alexander Schreiner and Robert Cundick.
Dr. Christiansen attended Brigham Young University where he earned B.A. and M.M. degrees in organ as a pupil of Professor J. J. Keeler. He later earned the Doctor of Musical Arts degree and Performer’s Certificate in Organ as a pupil of Russell Saunders at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York. He won first place in the National Federation of Music Clubs Competition, was finalist in the MTNA Competition, and semifinalist in the AGO Improvisation Competition. He has studied in France with Gaston Litaize and Andre Fleury and has performed in concert in various cities throughout the United States under the auspices of Artist Recitals Concert Management in Los Angeles.
A published composer, he has studied composition with Robert P. Manookin, Merrill Bradshaw, and Samuel Adler and studied improvisation with Allen Hobbs. His works appear in the catalogues of Shawnee Press, Alfred, Jackman Press, and on-line at Wardorganist.com. His organ compositions have been performed in recital during national and regional A.G.O. Conventions, on National Public Radio (Pipe Dreams), and on the Tabernacle Choir broadcast. His composition, Lyric Symphony, was premiered by Dr. James Welch on the Temple Square Concert Series in the Tabernacle at Temple Square. Dr. Welch also recently premiered Toccata on Westminster Chimes in Westminster Abbey in London, England.
As a recognized expert on Louis Vierne, his articles have been published in the American Organist magazine; and he is well known as a contributor to the book by Dr. Rollin Smith entitled Louis Vierne, Organist of Notre Dame Cathedral.
He has held numerous professional church positions as organist and choir director in churches in New York and Utah and has also performed many recitals as guest organist at the Tabernacle at Temple Square in Salt Lake City. He was adjunct professor of organ at Weber State University. He now teaches organ privately and is organist at St. Paul Lutheran Church. He is married and has two daughters, two sons-in-law, and four grandchildren.
