Learning Organ - the Basics!
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- Опубликовано: 28 мар 2019
- Part 2 of our series "How do I learn to play the Organ?" including a couple of basics such as scales and fingering, reading music and coordination etc.
As always, there's a little piece of music at the end - today it's a piece of music from a relatively unknown composer - Alec Rowley - a theater organist from the UK - his Humoresque, which I arranged for organ.
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I've been playing the organ for 50 years and I'm still learning. I just discovered your channel a couple days ago and I'm really enjoying your videos.
Don't worry about the people who think it's somehow shameful or wrong to play secular music in a church. I figure God wouldn't have given us music if He didn't want us to enjoy ourselves.
I've only ever learnt piano but that's a really refreshing approach to fingering scales! I'd never thought about it that way but what you're saying makes total sense
Yes, your own little organ book would be great!
I really enjoyed today's video because it showed me a completely different approach as compared to my own organ teacher. Very well done! As I'm only a poor student I can't support you financially, but I hope others do because this channel really deserves it!
Looking forward to the next one :)
I am a piano teacher in my twenties, learning an organ is like rebirth for me in skill and musicality. Reading three staves at once with a middle line changable between treble and bass clef, organists' sight-reading skills are the 'Mt Everest amongst musicians'
Scales... ugh. Learned em backwards for exams- best thing I ever did. Regardless if I'm playing organ, piano or tuba I have very little difficulty playing, fingering etc in a wide range of keys. I did teach scales by fingering groups to a limited extent; however your approach here today to finding keys sight unseen based on groups of two and three is way beyond what I ever learnt or taught. Very useful concept I will assimilate and use!
I'd really like a learning book by you. Please do it!
An organ book by someone who actually knows what they're doing, yes please! I've been playing organ since 2010 and I've basically neglected my left hand and so I think a book put together by someone who is doing intuitive videos would be a brilliant idea.
If only more organists were like you with your ideas the organ would flourish
Thanks Fraser. I have a masters degree in organ, and have served in churches most of my life - and it's wonderful to know that there's *always something new to be learned* about the organ.
Your "hand position" approach (i.e., fingers over *connecting groups* of notes; preparing in advance) is not new to me, but your easy and well-thought-out explanation of the 2-position groupings will be very helpful to those new to the organ. And, of course, a similar approach works for the pedals, as well. 👍❤️
Definitely! It would be so refreshing to have a book that we learners can relate to!
Hello Fraser - as an organist (self-taught-ish) of 36 years, I think you have a great idea here so I am looking forward to this idea of yours developing, especially the book. Enjoyed the lollipop at the end!
I think the pipe organ needs to be made more popular amongst the general public - perhaps we need a Nigel Kennedy of the organ world!! Definitely to show that there is other organ music than that composed by Bach or Widor if you know what I mean.
I have often heard railway enthusiasts say that steam locomotives are living, breathing organisms (pardon the pun) and the same is true of the pipe organ. And there are no two pipe organs the same.... Bets wishes from Wolverhampton.👍🏼
Thanks for being viewer friendly. (not stiff and starchy 😊). For your wish list: a dedicated 'pedal cam'.
You bring hope to organ. It's nice to see a friendly organist who isn't piano first. Wish you lived in the states. We have many many wonderful organs here. Wanamaker being my favorite
Thanks. I’m wondering about being my church organist. I have a background as choir director and quite a few years of piano lessons. I think I can learn. You’re encouraging!
I really like that method for scales. Actually makes music theory easier too.
I watch the "auf Deutsch" version first, and with my 4 years of high school German from long ago, I get about every 17th word. Long ago I spent 10 years as a church organist (a hobby that got out of hand), but I am really enjoying your channel. Keep up the good (and entertaining) work. I admire your skill as an organist.
I would love to see your version of a organ lesson book. I personally recommend the organist manual by Roger E Davis. It has warm ups and organ techniques, about 40 organ pieces that don’t use pedals, 40 that do use pedals, 8 hymns, and a technical explanation of the organ. It’s good for people who have knowledge with keyboard instruments, not beginners.
Whould love to get my hands on your book... I learned the Organ in 2002 but never really appreciated my teacher until she passed away... now just plating for fun but want to sharp up again.... you gave me inspiration again..... Thank you..
kind if you could make a book for untalented adults with kid-level skills.
Yes, I would enjoy what you write regarding learning to play the pipe organ!
Enjoyed this brief time with you. I have used the same method for my non-experienced students, jumping in for the first time. You have explained it so well. Thank you....oh, yes.....do write that manual, too. Placement and performance before reading really works.
Yes please make a book. I've just started with lessons on the organ and like your style ;-))
On a daily base I'm playing the organ in our church.
As a pianist and aspiring harpsichordist. I have a really big interest and love for the organ (my music master Is actually an organist) I would love a book on organ playing by Fraser!
Thank you. I like the 3 & 4 groups. I learned as the #1 (thumbs) lands on C & F.
I would definitely be interested in material to help me learn to play better, your tips on scales today make perfect sense. I learned Piano as a child and my dad taught me to play the organ at church as a teenager but I was never very good. 40 years later with the advent of computer based organs using Hauptwerk and Grandorgue I've build my own organ, including designing the MIDI electronics and I'm now trying to catch up with 40 years of not playing and exceed where I left off in my youth. Hopefully I will be retiring soon so I will have more time to practice.
Keep up the good work, love the videos.
I am a 54 year old new organ student (studied piano all my life) but have only been playing the organ for about a year. I am SO IMPATIENT!!.... I want to learn all the biggie works like BWV 582 like IMMEDIATELY!!😊 Oh my goodness, the coordination it takes: trying to jump start the grey matter to read three lines of music, working the legs, and trying to understand the mechanics of registration, not to mention finding time to practice what with working full time, kids, house, taking care of aging parents, is exhausting!! But my passion for this instrument is unwavering and I can see myself happily practicing until the end of my days! Thank you for these wonderful videos.... they are such an inspiration. I am in deep awe of anyone who can “master the beast” so beautifully like yourself!!🌺💕😊
There should be a MasterClass on how to play these things. Would definitely purchase a manual if it was created!
Great channel, really enjoying it. PLEASE assure me that you will try and feature Cologne Cathedral. My favorite German organ, been there so many times. Keep up the good work.
Hi Fraser! Yes, I would be interested in purchasing a manual from you! I'm an absolute beginner (I keep saying that but I have "beginner" piano experience so my fingers are familiar with scales! I've experienced approaching an organ "teacher" who denied me because I have not mastered the piano and it was a big discouragement for me in the past. It's great that you made a comment about "organ purists" out there as well regarding looking at their hands/feet. It certainly helps not needing to do it but when you pressure a newbie about it, it can be overwhelming. Your personality has shined through and made this mysterious instrument very approachable!
Dear Sir, your "WOW What an organ" was priceless ! On to your "So you want to learn to play the Organ..... Please give us a close up of the printed music so that we may follow along. You are blessed with so much talent. Many thanks from the Colonies. Doug
Fraser, I am definitely interested in purchasing such a book. I never before heard of learning scales your way. I am an amateur organist who struggles with sight reading more than two parts (lack of CPU power?), and knowing my way fluently around the manuals the way your scales teach would let me concentrate more on the notes and less on where my hands are. I know it will take time and practice, but if I can up my game to where I can play from our hymnal with little or no preparation, I could be a great asset to my church.
Hello Fraser. As an organist I would like a book of your jazzy music. I’m a church organist and childrens choir pianist so my education in music is classical and church. Some jazz would sound amazing. Kind regards. Martin
Yes! I would like it too!
Interesting Technique Fraser I myself learned the Violin but love hearing a good pipe organ. I'm also disabled with Spina Bifida so the Organ was never an option
I would buy your textbook or series of textbooks on learning to play the organ. My keyboard skills are very elementary. Our church organist retired over a year ago and we have no one who can actually play the instrument. I am learning a great deal from your videos. Thank you!
I would be interested if you produced a beginner's book. I used the Older Beginner Organ Books to learn to play.
Thanks Fraser! Great - as always!
These videos are wonderful! as a choir singer this has always been an interest! thoroughly looking forward to pilfering a hymn book from my college's chapel and playing on the practice organ! Thanks!
Amazing technique!
Very interesting, I enjoyed this lesson. I learned scales and fingering by learning each scale individually. I would have saved a lot of time and effort had I known your method. As a hobby player, I don't play much classical music and looking at the S.A.T.B. music, I actually thought that that music was for choirs and that the organ music would have been different. I can see now how to adapt it for the organ. Can I just mention one thing. I sometimes look at my foot on the pedal, not because I have to but if I am memorising a tune, it helps to remind me what to play overall. Thank you for making these videos, I look forward to the next one. Incidentally, I am retired but age is just a number.
Znakomita seria nauki gry na organach. Bravo!
Fraser Gartshore, what beautiful MUSIC!!!
Thanks for this. It has made going back to my keyboard lessons easier as I abandoned it because my teacher was too strict and rigid for me to come up with what worked for me as I have very long fingers. I'd like the book please
A book would be excellent!! I've only dabbled in piano but want to focus on organ 😊❤
Hi, I just started learning the organ. Have been thinking about it for years but never really had the opportunity. A book like that would be very nice to have, I'd surely purchase it. :) Keep up making these high quality videos, they are awesome!
I would be most interested in a book of exercises for the organ. I play the piano and volunteer as an organist at my local church, and would love any way of developing my abilities. Acutally, I played at a service this morning. Thank you for your videos!
Great video! Would love a book! There's not much information out there on leaning organ for those who have little to no musical experience. I've learned more from this than I have in a monthly of noodling about.
I would get ur book👍☺️ love the vids and kudos to ur misses for standing there holding the camera☺️ hi from northern norway btw. I love the organ. No pro player but did get to borow the keys to the churches in the places i have lived, to get access to their organ. And i just have to say u give inspiration to pick it up again. ☺️
Wonderful series of videos, many frustrations because I don't speak German! Do keep up the good work, after Carlo Curley, and more recently Gert van Hoef, I now have another channel of great music, entertainingly presented to savour!
Wonderful video, Fraser! Just happened to stumble across your "How do I learn to play the organ?" video last week, and this past Sunday was my first time at the organ console after church! Very interested in further videos on organ technique and if you're considering writing a technique & song book, whether it be for classical style or the oompah-oompah stuff you do, that would also be intriguing.
I have a piano background of a few years, but I've never been able to sight-read all that well in terms of coordination. The scale practicing technique you use as a way of navigating the keyboards is especially useful, and hopefully after practicing my scales that way for a while I should be able to navigate and coordinate my hands (and feet) around keyboards much better while sight-reading and learning hymns.
Thanks! Helpful for my students!
You gave us an enjoyable beginners' lesson! You are the opposite of the proverbial, nuclearly wicked, "church lady" musical director/organist, who is an incarnation of Elsa Lanchester playing "The Bride of Frankenstein"!!!!
Most are, seduced, to learn music by listening to a lofty choir in church, but once they come to rehearsals, they are spooked away from further learning music!
Yes, I and so many others would be interested in Organ Method books from you!
We get the "vibes" that we could make progress with them, if these are written by a positive person like you!
I love this
The thing about scales and memorization reminds me of learning to type without looking yet memorizing where everything is which I learned in class at a young age. Makes me hope that it will be something similar even if it takes a little bit to get accustomed too. The keyboard has those raised textures on F and J where your pointer fingers go so you have a place to start with without having to look to place your fingers properly. I would love a book even though I love in person teaching.
I have a piano and B flat clarinet background. I have always had a problem with the bass clef . Probably because of a lot more treble clef reading. Anyway, to get to the point. Holding notes and chords is the biggest issue I have going between piano and organ. I own a Yamaha Tyros 5/76. Love this workstation keyboard. Organ World feature has every organ one could wish to own.
I would love to purchase a book by you on playing the organ, so, put me on your list (if you have one) of potential customers. Have played the piano (somewhat), but now that I am early-semi-retired with more time on my hands than I have sense, I'd like to pursue this. My "vote" would be for you to do it in your own inimitable style that is such a delight!
Is there a Part 3 yet. I'm eager to see the next one!
Interesting presentation style, I like it! That's an interesting instrument you have there. I assume it's a pipe organ, though no pipes to be seen in your videos and it's a very modern console for sure. Please tell us more about it.
One of my regrets in life is that I didn't continue with playing the organ beyond my late teens. Now learning classical organ again in my late 60s and it's more of a challenge now for sure. You went straight for my bête noire... scales.
Looking forward to more, and... subscribed.
Yes! very much interested
I don't play the piano but I found this video very engaging. Pretty amazing talent to be so coordinated.
That 3 group 4 group concept was mind blowing for me! Made total sense! But now I have to know, what’s the fingering for the left hand??
Yes, an organ book like that would be great - I’d definitely and happily spend my money on that 😁
A question regarding the things required to play the organ: Do you believe in the 10,000 hour-theory or rather in having/needing talent?
I'm not an organist but I am a musician, to me the idea of talent is a myth. There will be people who pick up concepts faster, there will be people more physically adept to a certain instrument (think Rachmaninoff's hands) but anyone, and I mean anyone, is able to learn any instrument provided they put the work in.
I am also dubious of the 10,000 hour rule myself, or at the very least I don't think it tells the whole story. Any music teacher worth their salt (or any sports coach for that matter) will tell you that "practicing smart" trumps "practicing a lot" every single time although both are necessary to mastering something.
Thank you, that actually helps me a lot :-)
The 4s and 3s are very thought provoking. I guess it means the hands have an absolute position on the keyboard rather that a scale-dependent relative position.
I'll explore this. I already abandon standard scale patterns when playing mixed held-chord/moving-line stuff on harmonium, or string patches on synth in theatre pits.
Would love a book
Yes!
Thank you for your videos, they are all great. I would be very interested in working through your exercises, if you are willing to put together a book. I think that would be wonderful!
Yes you make thing more easy to understand
By the time I started learning to play the organ at age 14 I already had 7 years of piano. I found that it was most difficult to achieve the independence of the left hand from the feet.. I considered that "splitting" my hand from my feet was the most difficult thing l had ever done. It took me months.... but I finally "got it." It took me more than a year to get to the point where I could play for a church which requires the ability to learn new music every week. Of course, I didn't practice every day.... ever try to play in a slightly warmed church in the winter...with gloves on? And its not very pleasant to play with no airconditioning in the summer.
Nice to see the organ getting more "respect"
I play piano and was getting annoyed that people thought I would play Organ as well. I was like how do I clearly and simply explain to them the difference but your videos have helped me be able distinguish the difference.
I know everyone groans when you even mention scales but they are so important 😍
Hello and greetings from Ireland. I remember the knuckle rapping from my piano teacher. I was very interested in your take on scales and fingering, so different to how I was taught, but makes sense. Your videos (especially in English) are most interesting. In this video you were talking about the recording. I have just been introduced to the "Zoom Q2n" all in one musicians audio and video recorder. It is quite amazing, capturing wonderful dynamics and even though no larger than a GoPro, has great field of view with quite a few settings to adjust whether in a room, studio, concert hall etc. Looking forward to more videos (especially in English!)
Hi. I have a Zoom Q2n - I tried it out on a few videos. See the "Boogie Woogie" one from a few months back. I found the video quality pretty rotten actually! The sound is definitely better, but not up to my expectations I'm afraid! The organ deserves more!
Yes please!
The short piece by Rowley was both qute, naiv, AND a bit romantic too! very nice!
I’ve only played the pipe organ once in my life, it was at kelvingrove art gallery as well which made it 10x better 😂
At age 77 with no musical talent and always wondering how to get those black dots on a sheet of music to come out of your fingers, I'd be willing to give it a go if you came out with a basic book(s) on how to play the organ if you teach the same way you explained how to do scales! Amazing! :)
It's never too late!
Mr. Gartshore, What does the facade look like of the organ you play in this teaching scales video?
Dear Timothy,
Our son learned how the dots correspond to the fingers with a computer program called "Piano Wizard". It relies on having a keyboard connected to the computer. "Level 1" is basically a game of "space invaders" with coloured bubbles descending on the screen in the appropriate places, and you have to shoot them down by playing the corresponding keys on the keyboard when they reach ground level. The computer marks your performance as you go. For "level 2" the screen turns sideways and the bubbles move from right to left across the screen, and you still have to shoot them down. "Level 3" is where the bubbles lose their colours, and "level 4" is where the bubbles also lose their lengths and the solid black of the shorter notes (together with their stems and tails) and the outlined shapes of the longer notes appear instead. And then "level 5" is the printed music on the page.
The keyboard didn't stand up very well to his thumpings, and eventually it gave up the ghost ... and I felt the experiment had been a failure ... until a few years later when I joined a choral society. One evening I took him along and had him stand beside me, pointed out the line in the music with the bass clef on it and said "that's what we're singing" - and I discovered he could read all the music, including counting the rests, and including all the flats and sharps too ... and in no time he was helping me keep the rest of the bass section straight. That term we performed Britten's War Requiem - not the easiest of pieces!
Hope that helps, all the best - JOHN HARTLEY (vicar@stluke-eccleshill.org.uk)
"The left hand is slightly different, but I'll cover that another time". When has this been?
I would happily purchase a book that you put together, I haven played in many many years and have the itch again.
I would too! I'm using the old and new Oxford method books, which I did recommend, but Fraser's common sense approach I prefer most! Most method books I've seen have not discussed 'feeling' the keyboard and overcomkng the challengr of playing without (mostly) looking. Bravo!
Yes, i'd like to see you OWN compiled Organ Pedagogy Book
For your wishlist:
If you ever actually purchase a piece of equipment, you should indicate in your equipment list what you bought with those donations. It will show you how far you have come and anyone who wants to donate will be able to see what exactly what their money is going to and that it actually does go into what they think. I only say that because nowadays, people say that they're using money for certain things but use it for other things. Transparency could be a very important part of projects like this
Piano Lehrer, Klavier Teacher? Greetings from México, Danke for your great videos, die sind so interessant ! Wiedersehen! :)
Ja ich habs auf englisch besser verstanden als auf Deutsch =). Ich verstehe dass der Daumen immer den Anfang der 4er oder 3er Gruppe treffen soll. Das kam im Englischen besser rüber. Danke Oh. Thank you and your Patient wife for the impressive Content
Please do a book!
Yes please to the book idea
I think it would be great if you did do your own book.
can you do a video where you explain how to read a score? I'm not talking about the notes.. i mean.. when you open your first organ score.. what you should know? which manual? how are they called on a score? when use one manual or the hands in two different manual at the same time? if you understand me, I'd like a video where you translate the score notation to the instrument! thank you.
Hello Fraser,
I've watched your videos for a while and it's always great to watch them!
A few years ago, I also did a bit of moving the organ keys, but "only" on a home organ. There was always only the left foot.
However, unfortunately I have not found the time to continue, but now I am through your videos again "hot" on it.
I would find a "fast" exercise book very interesting for expectant organists!
Since you do not confine yourself to pure church music and arrange one or the other piece: Have you ever thought of a version for organ of the Piano Sonata No 14 by Beethoven (Moonlight Sonata)? I think that sounds great in a big church room.
Cheerio!
Carsten
Please can you make a second video using the left hand also. I'd like the to practice both hands and like this method ;-)
Regarding the scales part have you done another episode for the left hand and the sharps?
I just found your videos. I absolutely love them. I have been playing the piano for quite a while. And I have had a rather difficult time learning. I am visually impaired. And my teacher is not exactly helpful at times. Every time I ask her a question the answer is always practice. While I agree with her practice makes perfect. There has got to be something I can do to make learning easier. My mom has got me an Oregon hopefully getting me to be excited about learning. And it has worked and now I want to learn so bad it hurts. Do you have any suggestions that would help a visually impaired person to learn.
So you play the soprano and alto notes with your right hand, tenor notes with your left hand, and the bass notes with your feet?
What a most easy way, i have never seen this method, do you have any books? this is fantastic
i really wanna see that organ shoes video one day . i always just play with socks on atm lol.
I enjoy every minute of this video and i only play the flute!
Edit : what is the difference between the 2 claviers?
of course that we would be!
Top-Lehrer!
Dear Mr. It's nice to meet you, I'm from Indonesia, I've subsribed your chanel about learning organ.
I am an organist in the Catolic Chuch till now, its very lucky to see you on this channel Mr. ☺
Many Catolic Chruch in Indonesia use Yamaha Electone Stagea, and its a electronic organ, but there some catolic chruch here who use europa organ like catedral who use organ rodger. but average in here the catolic church use yamaha stagea.
Ohh I'd like to ask you please, which is the best registration from organ for use soloist and choir ?
There are pipe organ 1 like principal, pipe organ 2 like mixture, or pipe organ 3 like bourdon ?
And for pedal which is the registration ?
Organ bass 1, 2, 3 or organ 4 ??
I only play easy read. Those I watch use 3 fingers on both hands it seems.Im 84 and would love to have the organ voices sound more like a real organ.
Great video. Interesting fingering method for scales. Did you learn that many years after traditional piano fingering? It seems like it could be pretty confusing to try and learn both at the same time.
Why the black and white keys are swapped in their colours lol. It seems so weird.
I'll really like to purchase your book sir, if ready
I would also be interested in seeing what you have to offer…..I can play hymns with out too much trouble and mostly use my left foot, again without problem. I would really like to take my knowledge and abilities a bit further and need guidance. I learned under a conservatory when I was very young up until I was 12 at which time I learned a bit under a very well known organist. He taught be very little and from there I practice hymn playing. Our church doesn’t have an organist and I feel the pressure to lead but don’t feel as equipped as I would like…..I am 55 and I have the time to practice. Could you forward me what it is you have for guidance
Audio is king.
Always perfect the audio before investing anything in video equipment, especially when an iPhone can take 4K video nowadays, it’s not that hard to make good video, audio on the other hand is quite a bit less accessible, and thus investing on that side first only makes sense.
Yep, that’s the plan... a decent set of omnidirectional mics is at the top of the list to capture the organs in their acoustics. I wrote an article about it on my website: frasergartshore.com/amazon/