Secrets of Organ Playing Podcast

Secrets of Organ Playing

Conversations about all things organ playing. Vidas Pinkevicius and Ausra Motuzaite-Pinkeviciene talk with experts from the organ world - concert and church organists, improvisers, educators, composers, organ builders, musicologists and other people who help shape the future of our profession.

  • 15 minutes 50 seconds
    SOPP711: Do you have materials and videos on creating last stanza reharmonization for organ?

    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

    29 December 2024, 11:59 pm
  • 12 minutes 43 seconds
    SOPP710: Currently my goal is to become a reasonably competent and confident organ player in the small local church and the local church community

     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

    22 December 2024, 5:56 am
  • 15 minutes 37 seconds
    SOPP709: I have been working on playing foot pedals for a few weeks

    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 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/0ckKPIvTWucoN3CZwGodCO?si=YWy7_0HqRvaZwBcovL-RKg

    11 December 2024, 5:14 pm
  • 13 minutes 30 seconds
    SOPP707: I started with a piece which was marked to be played articulated legato, and I had no idea what it was about

    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

    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/0ckKPIvTWucoN3CZwGodCO?si=YWy7_0HqRvaZwBcovL-RKg

    26 November 2024, 4:52 am
  • 15 minutes 15 seconds
    SOPP708: I’ve started to approach my organ pieces like my scales, ‘from memory’ and I’m definitely making progress

     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”

    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/0ckKPIvTWucoN3CZwGodCO?si=YWy7_0HqRvaZwBcovL-RKg

    13 March 2024, 1:11 pm
  • 46 minutes 22 seconds
    SOPP706: About our summer organ trips to Poland, Denmark, Ukraine and Latvia

    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.

    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/0ckKPIvTWucoN3CZwGodCO?si=YWy7_0HqRvaZwBcovL-RKg

    30 August 2023, 10:02 am
  • 16 minutes 39 seconds
    SOPP705: I'd like to be able to accompany any song without losing the mood of the song

    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”

    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/0ckKPIvTWucoN3CZwGodCO?si=YWy7_0HqRvaZwBcovL-RKg

    10 May 2023, 4:47 am
  • 14 minutes 36 seconds
    SOPP704: Which of your studies do you recommend for learning repertoire within a short period of time?

    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

    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/0ckKPIvTWucoN3CZwGodCO?si=YWy7_0HqRvaZwBcovL-RKg

    3 May 2023, 4:32 am
  • 12 minutes 8 seconds
    SOPP703: I want to become the best organist that I can be. Things holding me back are playing anxiety, physical stamina, and lack of concentration.

    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.

    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/0ckKPIvTWucoN3CZwGodCO?si=YWy7_0HqRvaZwBcovL-RKg

    8 March 2023, 5:16 pm
  • 8 minutes 49 seconds
    SOPP702: Are there any secrets or nuggets of wisdom as it pertains to learning difficult pieces quickly?

    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

    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/0ckKPIvTWucoN3CZwGodCO?si=YWy7_0HqRvaZwBcovL-RKg

    1 March 2023, 5:09 am
  • 14 minutes 14 seconds
    SOPP701: How do two tablets with the music score know when to switch as they do when you turn pages?

    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”

    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/0ckKPIvTWucoN3CZwGodCO?si=YWy7_0HqRvaZwBcovL-RKg

    22 February 2023, 5:30 am
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