Chelsea Vaught

Chelsea Vaught is currently the Director of Music and Organist at First Presbyterian Church in Fort Wayne, Indiana where she works with all aspects of the music program including chancel choir, handbell choir, childrens music, and playing organ. She also frequently coordinates with senior ministries presenting various education programs. Vaught also administrates the music series, which in even numbered years includes the National Organ Playing Competition. She has held this position since September 2012. Vaught is a native of Henderson, Nebraska and is a graduate of Bethel College in North Newton, Kansas (bachelor of arts in music: piano and organ performance) where she studied organ with Roseann Penner Kaufman. She also holds a master of music and doctor of musical arts degree in church music with an emphasis in organ performance from the University of Kansas where her primary teacher was Michael Bauer. In 2010, Vaught won second prize in the Arthur Poister National Organ Competition, and third prize in the Clarence Mader Organ Competition. In 2011, Vaught won third prize in the John Rodland scholarship competition, and was one of four winners from the American round of the Tariverdiev International Organ Competition to go on and compete in Kalingrad, Russia. Vaught is also active as an organ recitalist around the country having performed at various locations including Syracuse University, University of Florida, and the National Cathedral in Washington D.C.