Rick Helderop
Rick's experience building and repairing organs spans over the last 30 years. During that time, he has earned a Bachelor’s degree from Grand Valley State University in Music Education and a Master’s degree from the University of Michigan in Organ Performance where he studied under Robert Glasgow. Rick's apprenticing and training took him throughout the Midwestern and Southeastern United States installing and servicing organs and for other manufacturers. In 1988, Helderop Pipe Organs was formed and since has serviced, built, rebuilt, renovated and restored many instruments in its 23 years of existence. Rick has performed all aspects of organ building including conceptual design with CAD and the building, installation and voicing of new and refurbished organs. Furthermore, his expertise in voicing/regulation is sought after by other builders. In 1998, Helderop Pipe Organs became the first American company to install an organ in Russia. Soon after, he garnered recognition from the Russian government when they had a stamp made to celebrate the feat. A project is currently under way to install a second pipe organ in Russia. Eight years ago,