Douglas Major


Douglas R. Major is a prominent American composer of sacred music and concert organist. He is the former choral director and organist at the Washington National Cathedral, Washington, D.C., where he frequently performed on nationally televised services and state occasions. He has made several recordings.
Following his tenure at the Cathedral between 1974-2002, he moved to Massachusetts to concentrate on concert touring and composing. He also became Music Director at St. Michael’s Episcopal Church in Marblehead, serving there until retiring in 2019.

Early life and education

Major's childhood was spent in the Scranton, Pennsylvania, area, where he first began piano lessons. He commenced organ studies with Ronald Arnatt, while serving as assistant organist at Christ Church Cathedral. Major earned a Bachelor of Music degree from Webster University there.

At the Washington National Cathedral

At just twenty-one years of age in 1974, he was appointed assistant organist at the National Cathedral by Paul Callaway. He subsequently succeeded Richard Wayne Dirksen as organist and choirmaster at the Cathedral in 1988, administering one of the country’s largest church music programs and concert schedules, which were frequently attended by heads-of-state and televised nationally. Among the many state occasions occurring during his tenure at the cathedral were the Presidential inaugural service for George W. Bush in January, 2001, and the national day of mourning service on September 14, 2001, following the September 11 attacks on the United States.

As a concert organist

In 2002, Major left the National Cathedral after 28 years of distinguished service to concentrate on concertizing and composing. As an internationally recognized performer, Major frequently tours throughout North America, Europe and the Far East. In 1982 and again in 2006, he performed in Bermuda. He also makes joint concert appearances playing organ with the Empire Brass quintet.

Recordings and compositions

Major has made eight compact disc recordings playing the Washington Cathedral's large pipe organ. In 2009, he released a CD of trumpet and organ music entitled Hope, with trumpeter Richard Watson, recorded at Methuen Memorial Music Hall. Major's compositions for organ and choir include:
Douglas Major lives in Salem, Massachusetts. He retired in 2019 as Music Director at St. Michael’s Episcopal Church in nearby Marblehead, following 16 years of service there.