Secrets Of Organ Playing Podcast

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_HlI5PCFQqtg/joinIf you like what I do, you can buy me some coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/organduoPayPal: https://PayPal.Me/VPinkeviciusWe support Ukraine: https://www.blue-yellow.lt/enMy Hauptwerk setup: https://www.organduo.lt/tools.htmlTotal Organist - the most comprehensive organ training program online: https://www.organduo.lt/total-organistSecrets of Organ Playing - When You Practice, Miracles Happen! https://organduo.ltListen to my organ playing on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0ckKPIvTWucoN3CZwGodCO?si=YWy7_0HqRvaZwBcovL-#secretsoforganplayingpodcast #vidas

Let’s start episode 716 of Secrets of Organ Playing Podcast. This question was sent by Ray, and he writes:“Hey VidasThanks 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 piecesChallenges:- time is a challenge- correct fingering (still fumbling at times)- improve my pedal skillThanks again for your tips!RegardsRay” 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.Me/VPinkevicius We support Ukraine: https://www.blue-yellow.lt/en My Hauptwerk setup: https://www.organduo.lt/tools.html Total Organist - the most comprehensive organ training program online: https://www.organduo.lt/total-organist Secrets of Organ Playing - When You Practice, Miracles Happen! https://organduo.lt Listen to my organ playing on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0ck

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 fluently2.  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 back to where I was as a teenager and advance beyond that will be useful. Thanks! 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.Me/VPinkevicius We support Ukraine: https://www.blue-yellow.lt/en My Hauptwerk setup: https://www.organduo.lt/tools.html Total Organist - the most comprehensive organ training program online: https://www.organduo.lt/total-organist Secrets of Organ Playing - When You Practice, Miracle

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 study pieces with chords like in the French romantic for instance and with more than one note in every hand?Kind regards,Kathrin” 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.Me/VPinkevicius We support Ukraine: https://www.blue-yellow.lt/en My Hauptwerk setup: https://www.organduo.lt/tools.html Total Organist - the most comprehensive organ training program online: https://www.organduo.lt/total-organis

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 that would be. Thank you very much.  ~Jim This podcast is supported by Total Organist (https://www.organduo.lt/total-organist.html) - the most comprehensive organ training program online. It has hundreds of courses, coaching and practice materials for every area of organ playing, thousands of instructional videos and PDF's. You will NOT find more value anywhere else online... Total Organist helps you to master any piece, perfect your technique, develop your sight-reading skills, improvise or compose your own music and much much more… Sign up and begin your training today at organd

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 I think the congregation and the choir and the Choir Director seem to prefer it. I know I prefer doing that, but sometimes there is no piano available.Thank you.A fan.Jim” This podcast is supported by Total Organist - the most comprehensive organ training program online. It has hundreds of courses, coaching and practice materials for every area of organ playing, thousands of instructional videos and PDF's. You will NOT find more value anywhere else online... Total Organist helps you to master any piece, perfect your technique, develop your sight-reading skills, improvise or compose

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 for every area of organ playing, thousands of instructional videos and PDF's. You will NOT find more value anywhere else online...V: Total Organist helps you to master any piece, perfect your technique, develop your sight-reading skills, and improvise or compose your own music and much much more…A: Sign up and begin your training today at organduo.lt and click on Total Organist. And of course, you will get the 1st month free too. You can cancel anytime.V: If you like our organ music, you can also support us on Buy Me a Coffee platform:A: Find out more at https://buymeacoffee.com/org

 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 confident with this seems a place to concentrate on.Lack of self belief holds me back.I am in my mid 60s- structured learning seems to be directed at young people.I have no musical background - learning about basic harmony seems quite inaccessible. I have tried some book learning related to music theory but I am not sure if I am on the right track.My sight reading skills are ok - but not memorizing - and I would like to have “Happy Birthday” and “God Save the King” at my fingertips - I think this is a skill a church organist might have.Best wishesSusanna” This podcast is supported by 

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 hands and both feet. However, I started making some progress by following your instructions of separating practice (right hand, left hand, right+left, right+pedal and left+pedal - I pay more attention on left hand and pedal). I also work on the easy pieces such as Lemmens Methode. 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.Me/VPinkevicius We support Ukraine: https://www.blue-yellow.lt/en My Hau

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 dream? I am not sure. Sometimes I am unsure if I actually get something right. Most recently, I started with a piece which was marked to be played articulated legato, and I had no idea what it was about. Eventually I got the info on your site.As of tomorrow, I will start with lessons, so it should be a bit easier.Regards, Fanie

 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 and confidently. Perhaps in the future to reach Grade 8 standard if I’m ever good enough.The 3 things holding me back:1. Poor fingering.2. Poor rhythm.3. Slow speed.Thanks again for your advice and support. It’s much appreciated.Dawn”

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.

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. Fingeringb. Unable to play soprano and alto in the right hand simultaneously (bass and tenor in the left hand simultaneously)c. Knowledge of chordsBest regards,Mathew”

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

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.

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 to purchase on your website. Thank you Leo

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”

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 that goal is : Time to play more often and access to an organ. Thank you, Pedro

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. Rebekah”