J.J. Keeler
From College of Fine Arts and Communications
Contents |
Overview
J.J. Keeler was instrumental in the creation of the BYU Organ Studies Program.
Education
During his secondary studies at Brigham Young High, Keeler stood out as a talented student. Following graduation at age 18, his teacher Leroy J. Robertson, accompanied him Germany, where he studied until returning to Provo in 1933.
Keeler graduated from BYU in 1935 with a bachelors in Music and in 1950 with a masters in Music.
Work at BYU
When Keeler returned to Provo in 1933, he had made two decisions: he wanted to marry Virginia Bowles, and he wanted to play the organ. Unfortunately, he didn’t have any money or a job and BYU didn’t offer organ classes. He discussed his dilemmas with the university president and a used organ was purchased from the Provo Paramount Theatre.
Keeler was hired to play the organ for assemblies and to teach other students to play. He was now able to provide for his sweetheart. He married her. And he also started the organ program at BYU, which he instructed until his retirement many decades later.
His fellow faculty members included Margaret Summerhays, Franklin Madsen, Florence Jepperson Madsen, Leroy Robertson and Robert Sauer.
For the majority of his career, Keeler’s office was located in College Hall, on the lower campus. In 1964 he moved to newly constructed Harris Fine Arts Center. This move facilitated the growth of the organ program, adding performance venues and practice opportunities.
Parley Belnap, Douglas E. Bush, Don Cook, Clay Christiansen and Bonnie Goodliff were among the students who studied under Keeler.
His passion for music and vision for the program helped it to grow. Keeler drew other experienced organists to the program. He was influential in brining Bill Foxley, Robert Cundick, John Longhurst and Robert Manookin to BYU.
He helped arrange for famous organists to visit campus, and was a key player in organizing several recitals. He also was heavily involved in composition. But teaching remained his passion.
Keeler taught his last organ lesson when he was 85. That final lesson was on a Friday. He passed away the following Sunday.
