Dr. Timothy Olsen

Cantor

Cantor Timothy Olsen (Organist/Music Director) oversees the music program at Augsburg. He leads worship at the organ (currently at the piano until the new organ arrives in summer 2026) in addition to directing both adult choirs (one for each service). Leading congregational song is a passion of Cantor Olsen. He enlivens hymn and liturgy singing and heightens the connection of music to text through creative introductions, registrations (choice of stops on the organ), and various other means painting the text through sound. His goal is for each congregation to find its collective “voice” as the people sing their faith through the proclamation of the Gospel.

Dr. Olsen also serves a joint faculty position as Kenan Professor of Organ at UNCSA and Associate Professor of Organ at Salem College in Winston-Salem. He holds degrees from Concordia College (ELCA; Moorhead, MN) and the Eastman School of Music. As an organ recitalist, Dr. Olsen performs solo organ recitals, as well as trumpet/organ duo recitals with Judith Saxton. He frequently presents masterclasses and workshops for universities and chapters of the American Guild of Organists (AGO), and has been a featured artist at AGO Region conventions as recitalist and workshop presenter.

Dr. Olsen has been a part of several choral residencies – either as director or organist – including Augsburg’s choir residency at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Dublin, Ireland, in 2016. He resides in Pfafftown, NC with his wife, Daniele, their three boys, and their fierce Chihuahua, Milo Bjørn.