Secrets Of Organ Playing Podcast

This question was sent by Lorelei. She writes: Dear Vidas, I think it might not be a bad idea considering my case, to do a podcast or an article on how to keep the back and neck pain free and hopefully injury free while practicing piano and organ etc. I must say I have in the last 5 weeks a very keen interest in the subject. Thank you for your well wishes and again, thank you for your wonderful contribution to the music world. Lorelei, our Total Organist student.

This question was sent by Heidi and she writes: ​ May I ask you if you use a software program to create your musical compositions? If so, I would be interested in knowing what you use, and if it is somewhat intuitive or what I’d call, “user friendly". I own Sibelius but haven’t used it since taking Theory in 2009. Hope all is well with you both, Heidi

This question was sent by Dan. He writes, in response to my question about how he became fascinated with the organ. So he continues: For me, I’d say even back then when I was really young, I had an interest, and fascination in the organ. And as I still do to this day, whenever I’d hear the organ played at the church i’d attended at the time, which had really nice, excellent acoustics, i’d listen to every little detail of the organist’s playing. Some friends of ours had one of those little spin it organs, made by a company who I don’t think was really known for making stuff like that - Electrohome. Whenever we’d go over there, I’d never want to get off of that instrument. It was one of those that had slightly shorter manuals than a conventional 61 key manual. They only went down to an f, so they were shorter on the bottom end, and only 13 little short, tiny pedals, which you could only play one note at a time on. But back to that organ in the church i’d attended, I one time, had attempted to talk to the o

This question was sent by Andrea. And Andrea writes: Hello Ausra and Vidas, Thanks for your hints and the talks you share with us! I would like to know your opinion about the prelude in D, BWV 532, from JSB, a piece I run into a few days ago, after years of oblivion past the days I studied it... As we know, the piece is divided into three parts, the second of which is marked Alla breve. What do you think about the tempo to be kept in this section? Shall we keep "Alla breve" as an indication of style, i.e. the Stylus Phantasticus, so to be played fast and virtuoso, or shall we think of it as a tempo indication, so to played crotchets in the region of 60-66? I would like to know your ideas about this... Right now I'll go playing, because "when we practice, miracles happen"!!! Have a nice summer! Andrea

This question was sent by David. And he writes: Dear Vidas and Ausra. It seems to me that there are basically 5 types of music that the organist has to be ready to play in church other than accompanying hymns and choir anthems. They are: Preludes, Postludes, offertories, introits, and interludes. Perhaps interludes aren't so common in most churches now. What are the important aspects to know about each of those in order for the organist to select or improvise an appropriate piece of music for each? Are Preludes usually longer, more meditative? Of course we know that Postludes must be played as loud as possible to prevent idle and rude chatter while the organ is playing (I'm joking, of course). But what makes a piece more suited for a Prelude, and another piece more suited for postlude. Do offertories have special characteristics? When a church uses them, what is appropriate for an introit? Are there any special guidelines that generally can be applied? Obviously every church and denomination is different

This question was sent by T. P. Johnston, Jr. He writes: I'm age 66. Was a professional organist during my high school years. Had been away from the organ for about 40+ years until our church purchased a new Hauptwerk Virtual Pipe Organ, 4 manuals. Very nice instrument. So I've been working to rebuild my skills. They are coming back, but very slowly. Am only able to practice for 1 - 1/2 hours, 3 days per week, so probably won't ever get all my skill level back. But I'm making progress. Your materials are helping a great deal.

This question was sent by Ron. Hi Vidas, Do I have this right? Pedal point, as the vertical column of numbers below the chords, which can be 3s, 5s, 4s, 6s, 9s., flat whatevers to the root? Also, more than one, even two, three, four pedals held down at a time, sustained over the chords or measures? So, a 4 below a 6 in CM would be the F and A pedals, held down? A 5 and a flat 9 (flat 2nd an octave lower) would be G and D flat, maybe held down under some other dissonant chord like fourth degree (F) chord? Is my terminology correct? Thanks!

This question was sent by Neil. He writes: Hello Vidas. Thank you for all the wonderful fingered compositions you publish on your store for which I have purchased a number of. I’ve decided to purchase an iPad with a hope to play a number of the pdf files via Forscore. I wonder if you have had the experience of playing music from a tablet?

Today, Ausra and I are going to talk a little bit about our recent trip to London, to play at St. Pauls Cathedral.

This question was sent by Krampah and he writes: Thanks so much Vidas, for your advice piano playing, I can accompany hymns and quite a number of anthems for my church, I now want to take my piano playing to a concert pianist level, I have played through a couple pianoforte tutors, will I be in a rush if I am to take Handel Messiah's pieces and play through them, or I should work more with the beginner pianoforte tutors to sharpen my sight reading before?.... Thanks in advance for any considerations.... ​Best Regards Krampah

This question was sent by Ben, and he writes: Hi Vidas, I just wanted to send you a quick thank-you note. Not only did I learn many a piece with your fingerings, and carefully read your newsletters and listen to your podcasts, but you inspired me to "go public" with my journey learning organ improvisations. Last week I posted my "organ/music diary" (http://my-music-diary.com) to some online organ groups. I've already gotten plenty of hits and great feedback. ​But just wanted to let you know that we organists are indebted to you for creating a great online forum for all organ lovers. Kind regards, Ben

This question was sent by Glaiza. And Glaiza writes, “Hi, please teach me to do full pedaling in organ.”

This question was sent by Jeremy. And he writes: "My Boellmann’s Suite Gothique performance at church went alright. Everything felt comfortable before the service, but some wrong notes crept in during the service, particularly in the Minuet. The Priere went really well. One small mistake that is bothering me occurred at the transition into the g minor section. A parishioner did approach me afterwards and thanked me, which was really nice."

This question was sent by Heidi and she writes: Since I have imposed upon you again with a lengthy answer to what I’m sure you thought was a question that would have a succinct reply, I will reduce my desires into a few bullet points: (although I’m glad you know a little bit more about who I am) * I wish to expand my grasp of Theory to enable me to learn Improvisation * Most difficult are the physical challenges and the lack of motivation to practice because I get discouraged when I remember how I used to play. I still play well, just not as well as I was able to, and I remember that whenever I play. It is a blessing, and a curse! * My wishlist: Training materials and perhaps video?

This question was sent by Gene, from http://generoberson.com and Steve from http://organbench.com. They want to know, “how to find people who are interested in your music.”

This question was sent by Heidi, and she writes: Dear Vidas and Ausra, I am enjoying very much browsing your Course Materials and making downloads. My situation involves the fact that my children are grown, and my grandchildren are grown, the youngest is 14 years. For so many years having children and grandchildren blessed me with much to look forward to on a daily basis and kept me very busy. I am less busy with them now, and so I think God put Vidas in my life to give me the courage to embrace what I love so much, having the confidence again that someone with a special gift for teaching, and one who is qualified on every level is there to guide me. Thank you doesn’t even come close to expressing my gratitude! When downloading the materials, there is one aspect that I am having trouble with. How can I save/download your YouTube videos? Much of your training materials are presented on video, which is great, but I can’t figure out how to get the video onto my computer. Is there a special way I ne

This question was sent by Steve and he writes: Good morning Vidas, Another very fine podcast topic, very helpful, and thank you for posting. A couple of additional thoughts came to my mind as I listened to the podcast ... When I pedal this piece, I keep in mind the type of organ for which it was written. On French organs there's a stiffness in the pedals, because of linkage, that makes it a little more difficult to use the heels in rapid passages. Using the toes allows you to lean into the pedal more. So, with the opening theme, I keep the pedal legato with the right toe on D, stepping over it with the left toe taking C and Eb. Same with the F and Gb, I use the toes only ... right toe on F and left toe on Gb. The left heel could be used on the first note C, but if we use the right heel on D and F it's more difficult to get those 16th notes short enough, especially when the tempo is faster. I don't play this Toccata extremely fast ... for many reasons, but one reason is so I can get those 16th notes in the

This question was sent by Michael. He writes: "I'm really glad I have encountered such an opportunity from you, I want to be able to sight read most of the complex classical pieces by heart, as at now my current level is just playing hymns and not so difficult anthems for my church... please I want to just pick any complex Handel piece and sight read it easily… Please help me." This blog and podcast is supported by Total Organist - the most comprehensive organ training program online where you will find courses for every area of organ playing, including technique, practice, sight-reading, repertoire playing, hymn playing, improvisation, composition, music theory and harmony with hundreds of scores and thousands of exercises. To become a member of Total Organist and start supporting this blog, go to http://www.organduo.lt/total-organist. Also, if you haven't yet subscribed to receive free updates of this blog, make sure you do that at http://www.organduo.lt. By subscribing you will also receive free video

This question was sent by Reggie. He writes: "Hello Sir, thank you for your question. In answer to #1, I want to play the pipe organ at my church. In answer to number 2, I bought my first keyboard a month ago so I am still learning my first piece: Bach Preludio 1. I practice everyday but I am still internalizing the note and finger positioning. I had some musical training as a child and currently sing in the church choir. Thanks for asking! Reggie" This blog and podcast is supported by Total Organist - the most comprehensive organ training program online where you will find courses for every area of organ playing, including technique, practice, sight-reading, repertoire playing, hymn playing, improvisation, composition, music theory and harmony with hundreds of scores and thousands of exercises. To become a member of Total Organist and start supporting this blog, go to http://www.organduo.lt/total-organist. Also, if you haven't yet subscribed to receive free updates of this blog, make sure you do that

This question was sent by Sarah. She writes: Hi Vidas, ​ My dream for my organ playing: To be confident with articulation, pedals, and registration as I accompany hymns; am I supporting congregational singing? I wish to be an excellent church organist. Three things holding me back: Here, I don't have anything holding me back. I just need to continue to practice, listen, and learn. I have just accepted a position as accompanist at an Anglican church. My background is in...you guessed it: piano and voice. I have had a few organ lessons and have played organ using pieces written for manuals only. I discovered you and am very grateful you are here. I need to put in the time at the organ. This is all doable. I am blessed with a supportive pastor and a beautiful small pipe organ for practice. Thank you for what you are doing. My plan is to work through my basics books and then enroll in your program. Kind regards, Sarah