Michael Dailey, the Music Director at Christ the King Church, has won first prize in the Strader Organ Scholarship Competition at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music.

Dailey will begin a Master’s degree program in organ performance in August. In addition to receiving full tuition, the scholarship comes with a $2,000 cash prize. As part of the competition, Dailey had to perform three pieces of complex music, interview with the Conservatory’s professor of organ, Michael Unger, and submit a written application.

Dailey has a Bachelor of Music Degree in Organ Performance from Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, Washington. The program at CCM will increase his musical repertoire and give him tools to further develop his playing skills. “Ultimately, I’ll be able to bring a wider variety of music to Christ the King,” said Dailey. He will continue to serve as Christ the King’s music and choir director while completing the degree. Dailey plays the organ during the Sunday 8:30 and 10:30 am Masses at Christ the King.

CCM is Cincinnati’s leading educational institution for performing and media arts. The Strader Scholarship supports the study of organ literature, sacred music and choral and instrumental ensembles.