Chelsea Barton is currently pursuing a Doctorate with David Higgs at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York. Chelsea holds a Bachelor's Degree and Performer's Certificate from Eastman, as well, having studied organ, harpsichord, and improvisation with William Porter. Following her undergraduate education, Chelsea completed a year of study with Michel Bouvard, Yasuko Bouvard, and Jan Willem Jansen at the Conservatoire Rayonnement Regionale in Toulouse, France. She completed a Masters at the Schulich School of Music, McGill University, as a student of Hans-Ola Ericsson and Hank Knox.
Having played piano from age six and violin from age ten, Chelsea commenced organ studies at age twelve under Shelly Moorman-Stahlman, professor at Lebanon Valley College in Annville, Pennsylvania.
Last October, Chelsea won third prize in the Bach/Liszt International Organ Competition held in Erfurt, Germany. In August 2012, Chelsea was awarded second prize in the Arp Schnitger International Organ Competition held in Bremen. She has been second prize winner in the Albert Schweitzer Organ Competition and first prize in the West Chester International Organ Competition.
An advocate for the organ as a vehicle for artistic expression and a portal to discovering the spirit of many ages, Chelsea performs in North America and Europe. Chelsea also enjoys woodland walks, gardening, and birdwatching.
