Secrets of Organ Playing Podcast

Let’s start episode 724 of Secrets of Organ Playing Podcast. This question was sent by Kathrin writes:
I can‘t play versets for services like confirmation. I need festive, more or less bold and „friendly“ pieces, at least between 3 to 5 minutes, pieces with repeats are always nice. The „biggest“ organs I play regularly have 14 (a mechanical organ) and 12 (pneumatic organ) ranks on two manuals, no preparations. What would you sug...

Let’s start episode 723 of Secrets of Organ Playing Podcast. This question was sent by Filippa and she writes:

Hi Vidas,

1. My dream would be for the idea of improvisation not to make me very nervous and to be something I can do with some degree of confidence!

2. The 3 things holding me back are: chord progressions and harmonizations while improvising, not practicing improvisation like I practice my repertoire, and needing lots more S...

Let’s start episode 722 of Secrets of Organ Playing Podcast. This question was sent by Dawn and she writes: "My New Year's resolution is to be confident at improvising.You can support this channel by becoming a member here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCO4K3_6QVJI_HlI5PCFQqtg/joinIf you like what I do, you can buy me some coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/organduoPayPal: https://PayPal.Me/VPinkeviciusWe support Ukra...

Let’s start episode 721 of Secrets of Organ Playing Podcast. This question was sent by Massimiliano and he writes:
Hello Vidas,
How are you?
Since I have some problems with my eyesight and was looking for a somewhat large written edition. I wanted to ask you please what editions you use for Bach's music. In your videos I can't understand it well. 
I also wanted to ask you if you know a good manual for organ impr...

Let’s start episode 720 of Secrets of Organ Playing Podcast. This question was sent by Maureen, and she writes:

Dear Vidas,
Could you advise me on how to play on a 1 manual organ? 
There are no foot pedals and no volume pedal.
This organ was built for a side chapel in the Liverpool Anglican Cathedral.
There are eight draw stops 1x16’; 2 x8’; 2x 4’; and 2 x 2’ and stop which on its own sounds out of place.
I only h...

Welcome to episode 719 of Secrets of Organ Playing Podcast. This question was sent by Kurt and he writes:

Dear Vidas,

Thanks for Your newsletter and the advice and remarks for technical topics such as registration and daily exercises.

My dream at the moment (as on beginner level) is to coordinate the pedal playing - it causes me so much power (and pain?) to get the brain (and hands and feet) in the right moment on the correct key on t...

Welcome to episode 718 of Secrets of Organ Playing Podcast. This question was sent by Carl and she writes:"Hallo Vidas! My stretch goal is to be a church organist. I can't really play the piano right now, I have to learn that. I have no access to an organ. I am stretched for time. I guess this is pretty vanilla feedback. But that's pretty much it."You can support this channel by becoming a member here: https://www...

Welcome to episode 717 of Secrets of Organ Playing Podcast. This question was sent by Pamela and she writes:

"I would be interested in tips on how to accompany plainsong chant. I know that many people do not like or approve of chant accompaniments but many USA churches use them. The organist often has to invent on the spot."

You can support this channel by becoming a member here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCO4K3_6QVJI...

Let’s start episode 716 of Secrets of Organ Playing Podcast. This question was sent by Ray, and he writes:
“Hey Vidas
Thanks for your tips. Here are my goals:
- to increase my play from memory ability (given the fact that l am 71) and to perform two major pieces
Challenges:
- time is a challenge
- correct fingering (still fumbling at times)
- improve my pedal skill
Thanks again for your tips!
Regards
R...

Let’s start episode 715 of Secrets of Organ Playing Podcast. This question was sent by Ben, and he writes:
1. Goal: To play more complex pieces such as Bach D minor "Dorian" toccata and fugue fluently
2.  Obstacle: Advanced age (76) although I did study organ at ages 15-17 and violin from age 9 and have a good knowledge of music theory.
Fortunately now being semi-retired I have time to practice, so help to get ba...

Let’s start episode 714 of Secrets of Organ Playing podcast.  This question was sent by Kathrin, and she writes:

“When I first write fingerings in the score, partly it doesn't work anymore, when I play the piece faster. In some pieces it is necessary to play one or two or more notes in the first line in the left hand or vice versa. So both hands have to work together. I can only write fingerings for both hands together. How to ...

This question was sent by Jim, and he writes:
I'm trying to think when, if ever, someone would want to use a 16' stop when playing on the manuals. It seems that practice would give a very thick and muddy sound to the part written for the manuals. Can you give an instance or example of when it would be appropriate to use a 16' stop for the manuals, or one of the manuals, please? I am just having trouble imagining what type of sound t...

Let’s start episode 712 of Secrets of Organ Playing Podcast. This question was sent by Jim, and he writes:
“There is a topic that I, and probably every other church organist on here, would like for you to cover. And that is how to accompany the choir for the choral anthem from a piano score at the organ.
It is a nightmare. Usually if there is a piano available, I will move to the piano to accompany the choral anthem at the piano, and...

Let’s start episode 711 of Secrets of Organ Playing Podcast. This question was sent by Spencer, and he writes:
Hello Sir,  Please do you have materials and videos on creating last stanza reharmonization for organ accompanying a choir singing unison with or without descant?

This podcast is supported by Total Organist - the most comprehensive organ training program online.
A: It has hundreds of courses, coaching and practice materials ...

 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 into my hymn playing and getting more co...

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 difficulty coordinating playing both...

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 holding you back from realizing your dr...

 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 questions:
My dream is to play competently ...