Beyond the Keys

Spelman College History Department presents A Conversation and Q&A, Beyond the Keys: An interview with Dr. Joyce Finch Johnson, pianist, organist, and educator. The conversation will happen on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, in the Manley Atrium at 5:30 p.m.

The Journey and Legacy of Dr. Johnson

Dr. Joyce Finch Johnson, AAGO, is a professor emerita of music and college organist at Spelman College. From 1989 - 1994 and 1995-2001, she served as chair of the Department of Music. She has had an expansive career as a performer, and has been heralded as “pianist extraordinaire, astounding and thrilling audiences with her consummate artistry. She brings to the piano a formidable bravura technique, great sensitivity in playing emotional, lyrical melodies, warmth and richness of tone, and impeccable musicianship. Additionally, she plays with self-assurance and control, and with authoritative command.” She was elected to The International Roster of Steinway Artists.

In demand as a recitalist and workshop leader, she often lectures at colleges, seminaries and churches on African American music, arts issues in higher education, or topics related to keyboard performance and performance pedagogy. For several summers she served as conference organist and conducted organ masterclasses for the Hampton University Ministers Conference (Choir Directors’/ Organists’ Guild) in Hampton, Virginia. She was recitalist, workshop presenter and hymn festival organist at the American Guild of Organists Region VIII Convention in Billings, Montana. For decades, she has been the organist for the annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Ecumenical Service at the historic Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta.

Hannah Lawson, a history major and Zania Taylor, a political science major will be interviewing Dr. Johnson. Any questions or concerns please reach out to Raenipotter@spelman.edu or call (404) 270 - 5502.