Justin Maxey

Justin Maxey, a native of Winder, Georgia, holds an Artist Diploma in Organ Performance from Mercer University, a Master of Music in Organ Performance and Literature from The Eastman School of Music, and a Bachelor of Music in Organ Performance with minors in voice and piano from Shorter College. In addition to specializing in organ (classical & theatre), Justin is also a choral and orchestral conductor, dramatic baritone, pianist, and collaborative artist on both piano and organ. His primary teachers in organ performance, improvisation, literature, and organ-building include Amelia Cotten, Dr. Peter DeWitt, Dr. William Porter, Mark Austin, David Higgs, and Dr. Jack Mitchener. Teachers in piano and voice include Sue Williams, Dr. David Oliver, Mary Ann Knight, Dr. Jerico Vasquez, Dr. Sherri Weiler, and Dr. Matthew Valverde. He has performed in organ masterclasses with Hector Olivera, Stephen Tharp, and Ken Cowan and studied choral conducting with Dr. Martha Shaw, Dr. Deanna Joseph, and Dr. Daniel Bara.

During his undergraduate studies, Justin was the accompanist for the world-renowned Shorter College Chorale, under the direction of Dr. Martha Shaw. This prestigious appointment led to opportunities such as two European tours and being featured on a nationally released recording entitled “Beautiful River”, recorded at Spivey Hall, which is available on iTunes and other various platforms. His skill as an organist has allowed him to play in some of the most famous cathedrals in the world, including St Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican, St. Alban’s, Ely Cathedral, Christ Church (Dublin, Ireland), and St. Paul’s (London). He has also had organist residencies at several prestigious American churches and played the “Mighty Mo” organ at the Fox Theatre in Atlanta. Justin was awarded first place in both the Atlanta Chapter (2009) and Rochester Chapter (2011) Quimby Competitions of the American Guild of Organists. He received first place in the Atlanta Chapter of Mu Phi Epsilon performance competition (2010) and won the David Spicer Hymn Playing award at the Schweitzer Organ Competition in September 2011. Justin was selected as a finalist for the 2019 Longwood Gardens International Organ Competition.

Justin has over 18 years of experience serving churches and has been employed by every major Protestant denomination as well as Roman Catholic churches as director of music, organist, pianist, choirmaster, artist-in-residence, and vocal soloist. He currently serves as Associate Director of Music & Organist at All Saints’ Episcopal Church in Midtown Atlanta, music director and pianist for Vespers at Lenbrook in Buckhead (Atlanta), music director and pianist for the Atlanta Opera, and collaborative artist for choirs at Georgia State University. Justin has completed three tours with the Atlanta Opera performing The Barber of Seville as well as Hansel and Gretel. In April 2023, he travelled with Dr. Deanna Joseph and the Georgia State University Singers to perform at the World Symposium on Choral Music in Istanbul, Turkey. He frequently consults with churches on organ-building projects and performs dedicatory concerts and solo recitals.