Director of Liturgical Music/Organist
A native of Lafayette, Louisiana, Oliver Lear graduated with his Master of Music degree from the Eastman School of Music, having studied organ with David Higgs. Prior to attending Eastman, he earned his Bachelor of Music degree from Northwestern State University of Louisiana, having studied organ with Mary DeVille. Following his rudimentary organ lessons with Kevin Martin in Lafayette, he studied with Marcus St. Julien and Herndon Spillman in New Orleans and Baton Rouge respectively.
Mr. Lear has been privileged to participate in numerous performances, most notably as a solo performer on two of the Eastman Centennial concerts. He has also performed in masterclasses given by high-profile organists including Ken Cowan, Jean-Baptiste Robin, and James O’Donnell.
In July of 2024, Mr. Lear joined the faculty of Notre Dame Seminary as Head of Liturgical Music and Organist. Prior to this appointment, he served as Director of Music and Organist at St. Peter’s Parish in Clifton Springs, NY.