But Jones disagrees. He says that Lane combines innate musicality with an impressive technique honed at some of the best music conservatories in the country.

In fact, Lane thinks that the organist community occasionally becomes bogged down in dogmatic, theoretical discussions of musical technique.

“Yes, all those theoretical and intellectual arguments are important, but fundamentally, we have to speak to our listeners,” Lane says.

His ability to connect to his audience has served him well in competition.

“My goal is to make the judges stop writing, to make them stop and listen and say, ‘Yeah, this is something I can embrace,’” Lane says.

And Lane succeeded in grabbing their attention.

The win will open up incredible recording and touring opportunities over the next few years, propelling Lane toward further musical fame.

According to Eck, Lane now faces a moment when he career has begun to take off.

But Lane modestly says that the victory will not change him.

“If something had changed, it would speak less of me as a person,” Lane says.

HOUSE AND HOME AT HARVARD

Lane moved to Cambridge four years ago to work as the assistant choirmaster and organist in Memorial Church and a tutor in Lowell House.

“I love Boston and this academic setting,” Lane says.

His position at Memorial Church currently facilitates Lane’s three goals: teaching students, playing in a church and performance outside of Cambridge.

At Harvard, Lane sets aside time from his busy schedule to mentor undergraduates with musical aspirations.