About

by Steve Panizza

A proud dad of three aspiring cabinet organs working to soon commission a fourth.

When I began college, I could have majored in music or engineering. I completed a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology from the University of Wisconsin-Parkside. The Parkside approach to engineering was innovative and allowed me the opportunity to develop my imagination and creative side in an undergraduate-focused program. And Parkside was just down the road from Carthage.

My college years were a directed study in organ building. In addition to the engineering program at Parkside, I could spend time at nearby Carthage College in their prestigious organ program. With its four-manual baroque-inspired mechanical action pipe organ, their program would provide opportunities and connections to nurture and influence my development as a pipe organ builder.

My workshop is in rented space at the former General Mills Research Center complex of buildings in Minneapolis. They invented Cheerios here.