Secrets of Organ Playing Podcast

 This question was sent by Susanna, and she writes: “Vidas, Currently my goal is to become a reasonably competent and confident organ player in the small local church and the local church community. I like your idea of a “course” - a guide to how/ what to study to achieve this - I don’t want to take exams - but with an exam course there is a syllabus to follow. Currently incorporating the pedals i...

Let’s start episode 709 of Secrets of Organ Playing Podcast. This question was sent by Thinh, and Thinh writes ​Hello Vidas, Just let you know that I'm new to the organ. However, I had 3+ years studying classical piano when I was young. I have been working on playing foot pedals for a few weeks (first lesson of Pedal Virtuoso Master Course and not sure if it is too hard for me). ...still have some...

Let’s start episode 707 of Secrets of Organ Playing Podcast. This question was sent by Fanie.  And she writes: Dear Vidas, I am an adult beginner, so I have different needs. 1. What is your dream for organ playing? To play chorales in the church and play music which I love, like Bach, Buxtehude, Bohm, Franck, Mendelssohn, Guilmant, Vierne, Widor etc. 2. What are 3 most important things that are ho...

 Let’s start episode 708 of Secrets of Organ Playing Podcast. This question was sent by Dawn, and she writes: “Hi Vidas, I’m finding your advice very helpful. I’ve started to approach my pieces like my scales, ‘from memory’ and I’m definitely making progress. I’m recognising finger patterns are better too, which I normally don’t. So thank you for your advice on memorisation. In answer to your ques...

Let's start episode 706 of Secrets of Organ Playing Podcast. Today we decided to discuss a little bit about our last summer organ trips. So we hope you will enjoy our conversation about all the recitals that we played in various countries. You can support this channel by becoming a member here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCO4K3_6QVJI_HlI5PCFQqtg/join If you like what I do, you can buy me some...

This question was sent by Matthew, and he writes: “Hello Vidas & Ausra, Thank you for all that you are doing to encourage and coach organists! 1. What is your dream for organ playing? Be able to accompany any song without losing the mood of the song. Rich bass and appropriate chords. 2. What are 3 most important things that are holding you back from realizing your dream? a. Fingering b. Unable...

This question was sent by Leo, and he writes: Good morning,  Which of your studies do you recommend for learning repertoire within a short period of time? Thanks,  Leo You can support this channel by becoming a member here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCO4K3_6QVJI_HlI5PCFQqtg/join If you like what I do, you can buy me some coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/organduo PayPal: https://PayPal. M...

This question was sent by Pamela, and she has a dream to be the best organist that she can be. And holding her back is playing anxiety, physical stamina, and lack of concentration. You can support this channel by becoming a member here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCO4K3_6QVJI_HlI5PCFQqtg/join If you like what I do, you can buy me some coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/organduo PayPal: http...

This question was sent by Leo, and he writes Good evening, Thanks so much for the fine work that you and your staff render. I am currently moving into a new position as organist for the Second Presbyterian Church here in Memphis. I am ecstatic about this amazing opportunity. Are there any secrets or nuggets of wisdom as it pertains to learning difficult pieces quickly. Please advise or share what...

This question was sent by Richard, and he writes: “Hey Vidas, I just watched your video of 4 movements your  Nun Danket Suite - VERY nice. Question: how do the tablets with the music score know when to switch as they do? Thanks! Richard” You can support this channel by becoming a member here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCO4K3_6QVJI_HlI5PCFQqtg/join If you like what I do, you can buy me some c...

This question was sent by Pedro, and he writes: 1. My dream is to improve my improvisation techniques. I think this goes through more music analysis, and trying to write down small pieces.  I would also like to be more confident when choosing the appropriate registration.  And finally I would like to change my finger touch, that is still one of a trained pianist. 2. Things that hold me to reach th...

This question was sent by Rien Schalkwijk , our friend from YouTube, and he wants to know how Rorate caeli, ornamented chorale prelude by Jeanne Demessieux is constructed.

This question was sent by Rebekah, and she writes: 1) My dream is to be able to sight-read hymns well enough that a last minute change to a hymn in a church service doesn’t worry me. 2) What’s holding me back is time - I just started playing the organ a little less than 3 months ago, and I can only get to the church to practice 3 days a week. I do practice on my piano at home on the other days. Re...

Today, we’d like to talk about how to teach in an organ studio where one student is playing with one finger only, and another rather well.

Today, I would like to talk about what to do when you come to practice and there is a funeral in the church. It has happened to us many times before. We had our Unda Maris Studio rehearsal planned, but before that, we were going to record some organ music on our church organ. But before entering the church, we noticed widely opened doors which means something is going on. And sure enough, in one o...

Today, we’d like to talk a little bit about how and why Total Organist Community has migrated from Basecamp to Discord.

This question was sent by Ed, he is one of our Total Organist students and he writes: You asked me to get back to you about what I’m practicing, and I had to wait a few days to figure out how to explain this. As I mentioned in my prior email I have a masters degree in organ performance from many years ago, and then let it lapse for several decades. Now that I’m retired I’m trying to make the magic...

Welcome to Secrets of Organ Playing Podcast #693! Today's guest is harpsichordist Alina Rotaru. Alina studied piano and choral conducting at the music academy in her hometown of Bucharest. After moving to Germany, she studied harpsichord with Siegbert Rampe and Wolfgang Kostujak at the Folkwang University of the Arts Essen, with Bob van Asperen at the Conservatorium van Amsterdam, and with Ca...

This question was sent by Martin, and his response is to the question, “What are his goals in organ playing in the next 3-6 months?” So he writes: “Improving my pedaling technique, independence of hands and feet”. 

This question was sent by Steven, and he writes: “Vidas, Here are my responses to your questions. 1. What is your dream for organ playing? My dream is to improve my playing with the most effective way to practice and get the most out of my practice time. 2. What are 3 most important things that are holding you back from realising your dream? A. Effective practice and getting the most out of practi...

This question was sent by Andrew, and he writes Dear Vidas, My answers to your recent questions: 1. My dream is to be able to play the organ confidently in the liturgy and perhaps in recitals occasionally. 2. The 3 most important things holding me back from this are: - Poor sense of timing and rhythm - Lack of focus and concentration in practicing - My legs are both slightly twisted outwards, whic...

This question was sent by Rita, and she writes: I am learning a lot from your episodes. I am a trained pianist but also play organ. The main problem with being an organist is that you usually can't practice at home because most people don't own organs and even so...probably not a pipe organ! There are many true organists that utilize all the stops and use both feet seamlessly. Because I now play o...

This question was sent by Odubiyi, and he writes: “My dreams for the Organ is to be a master on the Organ. Things holding me back: light, faulty pedal notes, spending too much time without getting much progress. Art of performance” Find out more at https://organduo.lt

This question was sent by Robin, and she writes:  Hello, I am a singer first and a pianist second. . . and an organist very much third! I was asked last September to serve as a short-term substitute pianist for a church whose organist had fallen and injured herself.  The piano playing was easily accomplished with my existing skills.  After a short time, the organist decided that it...

This question was sent by Gena, and she is our Total Organist community member. She has sent me her answer to the question what is her dream in organ playing for the next three months and also what are some of her challenges. So she writes: “Thank you! 1. Full public organ recital on fine instrument here in FL. Program pieces have been gradually prepared over several years. 2. Currently putting al...