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

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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”

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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/organduo

 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 wishes
Susanna”

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, and improvise or compose your own music and much much more…
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.
If you like our organ music, you can also support us on Buy Me a Coffee platform:
Find out more at https://buymeacoffee.com/organduo

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.

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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

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 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”

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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.

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

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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

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