Marilyn Mason (born June 29th, 1925) was the University Organist and Chair of the Organ Department at the University of Michigan.  She is the longest-serving faculty member at the University of Michigan, having been on the faculty for 67 years  (1947-2014)

Her extensive career as concert organist, lecturer, adjudicator, and teacher has carried her throughout the musical world.  She was the first American woman to play in Westminster Abbey, the first woman organist to play in Latin America, and the first American to play in Egypt.  During a single year, invitations took her to five continents.  Dr. Mason has served as judge at nearly every major organ competition in the world.  

Her dedication to contemporary music is evidenced in the 65 works that she has commissioned and premiéred.  In 1987, Marilyn Mason was awarded a Doctor of Music degree honoris causa by the University of Nebraska. She was honored as the “1998 Performer of the Year” by the New York Chapter of the American Guild of Organists. Her discography includes music of Bach, Pachelbel, Handel, Mondonville, and contemporary composers on Columbia and Musical Heritage Society labels. 

The School of Music, Theatre & Dance has named this organ the Marilyn Mason Organ, honoring Professor Mason for her many contributions to the Organ Department and the University of Michigan.  It is located within the Earl V. Moore Building (1100 Baits Drive, Ann Arbor, MI).

A biographical video retrospective, "A Life's Harmony," was created in 2007 to recognize Mason's exceptional teaching and mentorship and was recognized in 2013 with a symposium in her honor titled "Teacher of Music, Teacher of Life".

Marilyn Mason continues to reside in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=FT4Z3UF0dRc '

www.music.umich.edu/muse/2013/spring/Teacher-of-Music-Teacher-of-Life.html

www.michigandaily.com/content/60-years-behind-keys

http://www.mlive.com/news/ann-arbor/index.ssf/2014/06/longest-serving_faculty_member.html