Marilyn Schempp

Marilyn Schempp holds a B.A. in both Vocal and Instrumental Music from Augustana University in Sioux Falls and a Master’s of Music in Organ Performance with additional study in piano and harpsichord at the University of South Dakota.  She spent two summers in intense harpsichord study with Edward Parmentier at the University of Michigan. For 50 years Schempp has taught piano privately in her home studio.  Until May 2023 when she retired, Schempp taught at Augustana University where she taught organ and piano lessons as well as beginning class piano, served as the chapel organist, and also taught voice lessons and Music History. 

Schempp is an active member of the American Guild of Organists where she has served as Dean of the South Dakota Chapter, Director of the SD Chapter’s Organ Academy, and as a committee member and director of seven Pipe Organ Encounter Camps for her chapter.  From 2012-2018, she served as the Regional Councillor for the North Central Region of the American Guild of Organists—an eight-state region.  She is also active in the Music Teacher’s National Association where she has been the state competition chair for 10 years, served as President of the local chapter, and is s member of the Theory Committee.  In the Association of Lutheran Church Musicians she was the secretary/treasurer of Region 3 for 2 years and during that time served on two of the regional convention committees.  Since 2017 she has taught organ and piano at the International Music Camp in the Peace Gardens.  As a church musician, Marilyn has played organ and directed adult, children, and handbell choirs.  For 22 years she was the principal organist at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church.  Currently Schempp is the organist at Hope Lutheran Church in Sioux Falls. 

As a member of the South Dakota Symphony, she has played oboe, piano, harpsichord and organ.  In addition, she has played oboe with the Sioux Falls Municipal Band.  Schempp has played organ recitals throughout the region, accompanies high school and college students in competitions, juries, and recitals and has accompanied the South Dakota Honor’s Choir and All-State Chorus. Besides performing, Schempp has served as a judge in regional Piano Guild Auditions and various Piano Festivals.