Since 1985, Philippe Lefebvre has been titular organist of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. He discovered the organ at age 16; on the advice of Pierre Cochereau, then Organist of Notre Dame, he began studies in organ and improvisation, first at the Conservatory in Lille and then in Paris. In 1971 he was awarded the first prize in organ and improvisation from the National Conservatory and first prize in counterpoint and fugue. He also won first prize in improvisation at Lyon and one year later first prize in the prestigious Chartres Cathedral international competition.

In 1976 he was appointed titular (head) organist of Chartres Cathedral, then in 1985 was appointed as titular organist of Notre Dame Cathedral with Olivier Latry and Jean-Pierre Leguay.

From 1980-2003 he was director of the National Conservatory of Lille, where he enlarged the oldest music, theater, and dance school in France. From 2003 until 2014 he was Professor of Improvisation at the Paris Conservatory.

Lefebvre has traveled the world playing concerts and conducting master classes. He has many recordings to his name and is regarded as one of the players and improvisers most representative of the French Organ School, an art which he illustrates throughout the world.