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 suggest, not to play Dubois‘ „Fanfare“ and BWV 553 every year?

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 SUPER simple videos like you share to help me learn.

I would love to see more videos about simple improvisations- I am a great organist, but improvisation is (and has always been!) a major “black hole” for me- and I am getting a lot out of your videos about harmonization, chord progressions, and simple improvisation. More of these simple videos, or ones that build on the video would be most helpful.

For example, I used the techniques in the “Auld Lang Syne” video to make an improvisation on St. Brendan’s (They’ll know we are Christians”) as it is also pentatonic -in an ABA format (I’m going to use a bicinium for the B part I think).  But it was something you mentioned could be done to expand in the Auld Lang Syne video, and I’m working on it as something for communion for a job interview.

I think you do a really excellent job of explaining things very simply- I have made it a goal for 2025 to work on the techniques you are sharing for improvisation, rather than just “being stuck to the page”. I need it so simply and clearly explained. 

Thank you!

Filippa Duke

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-RKg#secretsoforganplaying #vidaspinkevicius #ausramotuzaite

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 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-RKg#secretsoforganplaying #vidaspinkevicius #ausramotuzaite

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 improvisation in style or if you can recommend something for study.
Massimiliano

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 had time to play through 10 carols and rescue a service.
I am most grateful.
Thank you,
Maureen

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Secrets of Organ Playing - When You Practice, Miracles Happen! https://organduo.lt

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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 the manual(s) and or the pedal. It seems this will be a long way to go and get the body "divorced" for the time playing the organ.

What holds me back?

First, my own impatience, trying to proceed quicker than needed or expected from my teacher.

Second, to leave the flat walking to the (cold) church for practicing....

Third is, to not have enough funds to buy an organ for at home (and the space to install it here in my flat).

So I hope You can follow my thoughts about organ playing and are of help for Your new coaching program.

Wish You a great further day.

Best regards from Germany

Kurt.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-RKg#secretsoforganplayingpodcast #vidaspinkevicius #ausramotuzaite

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.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 #vidaspinkevicius #ausramotuzaite

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 #vidaspinkevicius #ausramotuzaite

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
Ray”

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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 back to where I was as a teenager and advance beyond that will be useful. Thanks!