Daniel Carroll Featured on WHYY’s “On Stage at Curtis”
“The greatest classical musician—something I’ve seen from experience of meeting organists who are at the top level—is that they’re really down to earth people, and quite humble. I think being humble enough to realize you are serving the art and it’s not about you—I think that’s what makes the best classical musicians.” —Daniel Carroll
Season 19 of WHYY’s acclaimed On Stage at Curtis continues with a portrait of Daniel Carroll. The prize-winning organ student and Virginia native entered Curtis Institute of Music in 2023 and studies organ with Alan Morrison as the Curtis Institute of Music Fellow. Mr. Carroll previously studied with Daniel Aune of the Peabody Conservatory, David Lang of the Reston Chorale, and Michael Galdo.
Mr. Carroll began playing piano at age seven and organ at his local church at age twelve. In March 2025, he won the first prize of $10,00 and the $1,00 prize for best performance of the commissioned work by composer Chelsea Chen in the Taylor Organ Competition, and in January 2023, he won first prize in the advanced division of the University of North Carolina School of the Arts organ festival and competition. He has attended the Jacobs Organ Academy and Curtis Summer Organ Intensive and holds the Organ Scholar position at St. Thomas Church, Whitemarsh, under the direction of Michael Smith. Mr. Carroll has also been the assistant organist at two parishes and has performed at several other churches in the greater Washington area.
Click HERE to watch the On Stage at Curtis episode or click the video below.
In this episode of On Stage at Curtis, Mr. Carroll discusses growing up immersed in both athletics and music. A baseball player for most of his life, he was coached by his father—a former Cincinnati Reds draftee who played in the major leagues before transitioning to work in intelligence in the D.C. area. His mother, a retired Air Force veteran, also shaped his disciplined upbringing. Though Mr. Carroll eventually set aside baseball to focus on music, the work ethic and support from his family carried into his artistic pursuits. He began playing piano as a child and transitioned to the organ at age 12, even as peers often didn’t understand the level of practice and commitment it required. A few close friends studying classical music helped form a community of support, and performing quickly became his passion—especially the challenge of interpreting masterworks and developing his skills as an improviser on the organ.
Mr. Carroll’s experience at a 2022 summer program at Curtis deepened his passion for a career as an organist. He studied with his current teacher, Alan Morrison, and had the opportunity to perform on legendary instruments, including the Wanamaker Grand Court Organ at Macy’s in the Wanamaker Building, as well as the organs at Longwood Gardens and Marian Anderson Hall at the Kimmel Center. He hopes to continue refining his craft, both as a performer and composer and dreams of pursuing a master’s degree in Europe. While his future isn’t fully mapped out, he welcomes the unknown, aiming to share his music with broader audiences and explore more collaborative performances.
Live performances featured in the episode include Marcel Dupré’s bombastic finale of 7 Pieces, Op. 27; and Max Reger’s subdued and introspective Introduction and Passacaglia in D minor.
