Gerre Hancock

Vocation

American organist, improviser, and composer. Hancock was a Professor of Organ and Sacred Music at the University of Texas, Austin. He studied in Paris at the Sorbonne and during this time was a finalist at the Munich International Music Competitions. Hancock's compositions are published by Oxford University Press. His textbook, Improvising: How to Master the Art, is studied by organists throughout the USA. A Fellow of the American Guild of Organists, Dr. Hancock was a founder and past president of the Association of Anglican Musicians. He served on the faculty of The Juilliard School in New York City. In 1981 he was appointed a Fellow of the Royal School of Church Music and in 1995 was appointed a Fellow of the Royal College of Organists. In June 2010, Dr. Hancock was presented the International Performer of the Year Award by the New York City Chapter of the American Guild of Organists. This is viewed by many as the most distinguished award that the American Guild of Organists bestows upon its colleagues. Hancock was heard in recital in many cities throughout the United States and worldwide. On occasion he performed in duo recitals with his wife, Dr. Judith Hancock. His compositions for organ and chorus are widely performed. He died of cardiac arrest in Austin, Texas on 21 January 2012. Link to Wikipedia biography