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.
 Letâs start episode 708 of Secrets of Organ Playing Podcast. This question was sent by Dawn, and she writes:
âHi Vidas,
Iâm finding your advice very helpful. Iâve started to approach my pieces like my scales, âfrom memoryâ and Iâm definitely making progress. Iâm recognising finger patterns are better too, which I normally donât. 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 Iâm 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. Itâs much appreciated.
Dawnâ
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.
This question was sent by Matthew, and he writes:
âHello 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,
Mathewâ
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
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.
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
This question was sent by Richard, and he writes:
âHey 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!
Richardâ
This question was sent by Pedro, and he writes:
1. My dream is to improve my improvisation techniques. I think this goes through more music analysis, and trying to write down small pieces. Â I would also like to be more confident when choosing the appropriate registration. Â And finally I would like to change my finger touch, that is still one of a trained pianist.
2. Things that hold me to reach that goal is : Time to play more often and access to an organ.
Thank you, Pedro
This question was sent by Rien Schalkwijk, our friend from YouTube, and he wants to know how Rorate caeli, ornamented chorale prelude by Jeanne Demessieux is constructed.
This question was sent by Rebekah, and she writes:
1) My dream is to be able to sight-read hymns well enough that a last minute change to a hymn in a church service doesnât worry me.
2) Whatâs holding me back is time - I just started playing the organ a little less than 3 months ago, and I can only get to the church to practice 3 days a week. I do practice on my piano at home on the other days.
Rebekahâ
Today, weâd like to talk about how to teach in an organ studio where one student is playing with one finger only, and another rather well.
Your feedback is valuable to us. Should you encounter any bugs, glitches, lack of functionality or other problems, please email us on [email protected] or join Moon.FM Telegram Group where you can talk directly to the dev team who are happy to answer any queries.