Dr. James Hurd is a full-time professor of music and has taught organ at El Camino College in Torrance, California since 1973. He received his Bachelor Degree in music from Washburn University, studying organ with Max Elsberry. He received a Master Degree from the American Conservatory of Music in Chicago where Dr. Edward Eigenschenk was his instructor. In 1973, he received a DMA degree from University of Southern California and was an organ student of Dr. Irene Robertson. He is currently Organist/Director of Music at St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church in Redondo Beach, CA. Dr. Hurd has performed across America and Europe as an organ soloist. He and Dr. William Doyle were featured in performances for trumpet and organ in both California and Europe, the last being a performance at St. Stephans Cathedral in Vienna, Austria. Dr. Hurd's organ concerts have showcased traditional organ literature as well as jazz and gospel arrangements for the pipe organ.