The Nazi regime nearly destroyed Hindemith's career, as his wife and many of his friends were Jewish. He emmigrated to the United States and became an instructor at Tanglewood in 1940; he served as a professor at Yale University from 1940 to 1953. He became an American Citizen in 1946, but continued to teach and conduct throughout the world, receiving many awards and honors. In 1963 he visited America for the last time before returning to Frankfurt, his home, where he died.
Although he was not an organist, Hindemith did write three organ sonatas. His music reflects the tradition of Reger in may respects, while maintaining a distinct NeoBaroque quality. The characteristics of his Hindemith's sonatas influenced many German organ composers throughout the twentieth century.