Secrets of Organ Playing Podcast

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 of the chapels, there was a funeral being prepared.

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...

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 Carsten Lohff and Detlef Bratschke at the University of the Arts Bremen...

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 practice time.
B. Better registrations for the music
C...

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...

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 on 4 different organs… I want to give the listeners/participants the best experience...

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