David Peckham
David Peckham
September 13, 2026
David Peckham is an acclaimed American theatre and concert organist who has been performing for over 40 years. He is widely recognized for his expertise in silent film accompaniment and his contributions to the preservation of pipe organs. In 2016, he was named Theatre Organist of the Year by the American Theatre Organ Society (ATOS).
Early Life and Education
- Musical Roots: Raised in Breesport, New York, Peckham grew up in a highly musical household filled with automatic musical instruments and a modest theatre organ.
- Child Prodigy: He began taking piano lessons at age 8 and transitioned to the classical pipe organ at age 11, studying under Albert Zabel in Elmira, New York.
- Early Debut: At just 13 years old, he performed for the Rochester Theater Organ Society’s (RTOS) 10th Anniversary Gala on the Mighty Wurlitzer.
- Higher Education: He graduated from the University of Rochester, where he studied liberal arts and organ under renowned professor David Craighead at the prestigious Eastman School of Music.
Career & Achievements
- Clemens Center Residency: Since 1977, Peckham has served as the Resident Organist at the Clemens Center in Elmira, New York. He regularly performs pre-show tunes and provides live accompaniment and custom sound effects for silent films on the venue’s historic Marr & Colton pipe organ.
- Church Ministry: Since 1985, he has also served as the organist for the First United Methodist Church in Horseheads, New York.
- Global Touring: He has toured internationally, playing concerts across the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia. Notable performances include a decade-long tradition (1994–2003) of presenting a complete organ transcription of The Nutcracker ballet in collaboration with the Delaware Dance Company.
- Collaborations: He frequently collaborates as a featured soloist and accompanist with ensembles like the Paragon Ragtime Orchestra.
Pipe Organ Restoration
When he is not at the console, Peckham is dedicated to the technical side of the instrument. Following his graduation from music school, he joined his family’s business, L.A. Peckham and Son Pipe Organ Service. As the current owner of the firm, he specializes in repairing, tuning, and restoring historic pipe organs across the region.
Poster
