One of the most interesting and exciting musical instruments to learn to play is the organ. It is known as the "king of instruments" because it has the ability to produce a wide range of registers through various variations in intensity and pitch. There are several types of organs, from the standard electronic organ, to the most imposing church organ, concert organ, theatrical pipe organ or even the cathedral organ. You can find them from a single keyboard (manual) up to seven. Learning to play the organ may seem complicated, but at the same time it is immensely rewarding, since the musical variety that it is capable of creating is astonishing. If you start with the piano, get the necessary material and finally take organ lessons, you will have guaranteed success.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Learn to Play the Piano
Step 1. Learn about the keyboard
Before learning to play the organ it is necessary to have some experience with the piano. In fact, many organ teachers only accept students with no less than a year of musical training in piano. Begin your learning by knowing the keyboard. The first thing you should learn is the function of the different keys and the notes that correspond to each of them.
- On a piano keyboard the notes are repeated up and down through various octaves. This means that the notes vary from low (left side) to high (right side), but keep the same pitch.
- A piano can play twelve notes, seven white keys (C, D, E, F, G, A, B), and five black keys (C sharp, D sharp, F sharp, A flat, and B flat).
Step 2. Touch scales
Playing scales (sequence of notes) is the cornerstone of mastering piano technique. Learn the basic scales for piano; start with the most basic with two fingers and continue with the most advanced with three fingers. Practice them daily.
Step 3. Learn to read sheet music
The organ is considered a complex musical instrument, many teachers require that students know how to read sheet music before starting to take organ lessons. Learning to read sheet music can be challenging at first, but it is an essential skill for mastering any musical instrument, including the piano and the organ.
- Study the treble clef.
- Advance to the fa clef.
- Study the parts of a musical note (head, stem, and bracket).
- Learn about meter and rhyme.
Step 4. Try to use both hands separately
Once you have a good handle on the piano scales and maybe you already play some pieces, you should learn to use your hands separately. Over time, you will be able to execute two different movements (one with each hand) at the same time. Mastering simultaneity in performance is essential before moving on to playing the organ.
Method 2 of 3: Gather Everything You Need
Step 1. Find an organ teacher
Check with your local churches, colleges, and instrument stores. Many colleges offer practical undergraduate courses in organ and general music theory. Also, you can review some publications about it aimed at teachers. However, it is best to contact the local branch of the American Guild of Organists or a similar body in your region and search through them. If you are looking for a church organist, make sure they are qualified to teach.
When you make contact with a teacher, find out if you meet the minimum conditions that they require before starting classes (such as the ability to perform a piece of music at sight or a proven experience with the piano)
Step 2. Get access to an organ
To learn to play the organ you need to practice outside of your class time. The organ is a large and expensive instrument, so before you formally start taking classes, make sure you have the option of accessing one for practice. You can talk with your teacher about the possibility of practicing in a music rehearsal studio, find out in churches, or buy a small or digital organ to practice at home.
Step 3. Purchase an introductory organ book
This book will help you understand the basics as well as what you will learn during class. Most musical instrument stores carry these kinds of books. Ask your teacher to suggest one that fits your teaching method.
Step 4. Buy yourself a pair of organist shoes
The pedals are a unique feature of the organ; For this reason, wearing the right footwear will help you perfect your technique. In addition, since you will only wear them when you are in front of the organ, they will not get dirty and thus will prevent dust from damaging the pedals.
- You can buy them online for approximately sixty dollars.
- Some teachers require their students to wear organist shoes in order to use their organ.
Method 3 of 3: Study to Play the Organ
Step 1. Start with the lessons
The organ is a complex instrument. Therefore, a professional training would be very beneficial for you. Once you find the teacher, set a fixed schedule for your classes (such as twice a week). Find out if you need to bring something with you to each class. Plan your other daily responsibilities so they don't interfere with your class time.
Step 2. Learn the technique for using the pedals
The main difference between the piano and the organ is the presence of a third voice through the pedals. Playing the organ requires you to learn the correct technique for using the pedals. Similarly, you should practice keeping your heels together and your knees glued at all times. Lastly, tap with the inside of your feet, which means you have to turn your ankles inward.
Step 3. Use the legato effect
When playing the organ, there should be no spaces between note and note; Also, the notes should not overlap. This is known as the "legato effect." In turn, legato includes a technique called “staccato” which consists of holding down a key with one finger so that you can move to another key (note) with another finger. For example, if at first you press a key with the index, you must use your thumb to hold down that key so that the index can move to another. Rehearse across the keyboard and then back until you have mastered the technique and achieve the legato effect.
- First of all, practice it with only the white keys. When you get used to it, rehearse including the black keys.
- When you have mastered the technique with your hands, the next step will be to practice legato with your hands and feet.
Step 4. Practice
The only way to master an instrument is with practice, practice, and more practice. Make a schedule for this and stick to it. The more you practice, the sooner you will master it.
Advice
- Connect with other organists in your area. They are a relatively small group of people who are usually in constant contact. They could provide you with support and some recommendations.
- Listen to good organ recitals. There are a number of options for listening to great performances, especially in big cities.
Warnings
- Every organ is different, especially if you play the pipe organ. Before playing one you don't know, familiarize yourself with its response, tone, and registers.
- Don't pretend to learn everything you need to know about this instrument too quickly. Start with a small one, work your way up to the maximum level when playing a pipe organ. This is a musical experience that is well worth the effort.