Nicholas Schefstad (BM ’22) is a current graduate organ student at the University of Notre Dame studying with Dr. Kola Owolabi. Dr. Owolabi is an active solo recitalist, composer, and Professor of Organ at the University of Notre Dame, where he teaches graduate organ performance majors in the sacred music program, as well as courses in hymn playing and improvisation. He previously held faculty appointments at the University of Michigan from 2014 to 2020 and Syracuse University from 2006 to 2014. Dr. Owolabi holds degrees in organ performance from McGill University, Montreal, Yale University, and the Eastman School of Music.

On Sunday, October 15th, Dr. Kola Owolabi performed works by Buxtehude, de Arauxo, Tunder, C.P.E. Bach, Alain, and Johnson on the 1961 Rudolf von Beckerath Organ in Lee Chapel. Nicholas attended the recital and turned pages for him. “Dr. Owolabi’s performance was spectacular. It was also great to reconnect with my undergraduate professor, Dr. Boyd Jones,” said Mr. Schefstad. “Stetson School of Music and Dr. Boyd Jones successfully prepared me to study music at the graduate level.” Dr. Kola Owolabi is happy to have him as a graduate student at Notre Dame! GO HATTERS and GO IRISH!