Secrets of Organ Playing Podcast
Secrets of Organ Playing Podcast features conversations about organ playing. Dr. Vidas Pinkevicius and Dr. Ausra Motuzaite-Pinkeviciene discuss organ practice, technique, registration, and performance. They also cover improvisation, harmony, music theory, and other elements of what they call Total Organist. The show is aimed at organists and listeners who want to deepen their understanding of the instrument.
Epizodai
What It's Really Like Visiting Bach's Leipzig (SOPP800)
Welcome to Episode 800 of the Secrets of Organ Playing Podcast! In this milestone episode, Vidas and Ausra reflect on reaching 800 episodes and share their recent tour experience visiting the musical heart of J.S. Bach’s world: Leipzig, Germany.Join us as we discuss:• Visiting the interactive Bach Museum, original manuscripts, and the historic Bach chest• Stepping inside St. Thomas Church (Thomask
Creative Registration Secrets for Small Church Organs (SOPP799)
In this episode of the Secrets of Organ Playing podcast (SOPP 799), Vidas and Ausra discuss how to approach creative registrations on small pipe organs with limited stops.Whether dealing with a single-manual instrument with a pull-down pedal or a compact two-manual practice organ, having few stops doesn’t mean being restricted in sound. They share practical techniques and registration tricks—inclu
Why Do We Forget Pieces We Once Knew Well (SOPP798)
Why do we forget organ pieces we once knew by heart and performed in recitals, while other works stick with us for decades? In this conversation, Vidas and Ausra discuss the psychology of musical memory, the pitfalls of cramming repertoire during student years, and practical strategies—like spaced repetition and deep structural analysis—to keep your repertoire alive.We also share stories of redisc
What Makes Church Organ Culture in Prague So Unique? (SOPP797)
In this episode of the Secrets of Organ Playing Podcast (SOPP797), Vidas and Aušra record from Oslo, Norway, joined by special guest Paulius Grigonis. They explore Paulius' experiences with organ culture and liturgical music in Prague, church organ maintenance, concert vs. mass attendance, and reflect on founding the National Lithuanian Association of Organists. Vidas also shares the backstory
Does Recording Yourself Make You a Better Organist? (SOPP796)
In Episode 796 of the Secrets of Organ Playing Podcast, Vidas and Ausra discuss whether regularly recording your practice and performances actually makes you a better organist.From analyzing mistakes and overcoming camera anxiety to the realities of acoustic reverb and multi-take recording sessions, we share our personal experiences from over a decade of documenting our organ playing journey.🎹 Joi
Should Organists Specialize—or Play Everything? (SOPP795)
Should an organist specialize in a specific era, style, or composer—or strive to master a broad, versatile repertoire across all musical periods?In this episode of the Secrets of Organ Playing Podcast (SOPP #795), we dive into the age-old debate of specialization versus generalization in organ playing. Whether you are preparing service music, concert repertoire, or developing your technical founda
Are We Learning Too Many Organ Pieces at Once? (SOPP794)
How many organ pieces should you be practicing at once? It’s a question every organist—from beginners to professionals—faces. In this episode, we dive into the balance of juggling multiple repertoires, the "three levels of difficulty" strategy suggested by James Flores, and how to manage your practice schedule based on upcoming recitals. We also share some personal stories from our time
When Is an Organ Piece Ready to Perform? (SOP793)
When is an organ piece truly ready to perform? Is it enough to play all the correct notes, or should we wait until the music feels completely secure?In this episode of Secrets of Organ Playing Podcast, we discuss the signs that show a piece is ready for public performance. We explore preparation, confidence, musical flow, recovery from mistakes, and why waiting for perfection can sometimes prevent
Why Perfect Organ Playing Can Still Be Boring (SOPP792)
In this episode, we dive into the fascinating topic of what makes an organ performance truly memorable. Have you ever attended a concert that was technically flawless but left you feeling cold? Or perhaps one with a few mistakes that stayed with you for decades? We share our personal experiences—from the moving performances of Professor Leopoldas Digrys to the "gray and dull" recitals th
Light vs. Heavy: Which Organ Action Is Best? (SOPP791)
In this episode of the Secrets of Organ Playing Podcast (SOPP791), Aušra and I dive into the technical and physical challenges of organ keyboard actions. Inspired by a comment from Dan about the notoriously light touch on Rogers organs, we share our personal experiences with everything from heavy tracker actions to the frustrating "latency" found in some pneumatic and virtual instruments
Do You Need to Play the Melody when Accompanying Gregorian Chant? (SOPP790)
In this episode of the Secrets of Organ Playing Podcast, Vidas and Aušra dive into a listener question from James about accompanying Gregorian chant. They explore whether it's better to double the melody or keep the accompaniment simple and unobtrusive.They discuss different traditions, including the style at Fontgombault Abbey, the importance of text in chant, and how to handle congregational
How to Deal with Arrogant Organists (SOPP789)
Have you ever met organists who seem to look down on everybody else, who take others for granted as if you only serve their purpose. Today Ausra and I will discuss how to deal with arrogant organists. Hope you will enjoy it!
Is Having an Independent Pedal Necessary for Practicing Bach's Trio Sonatas (SOPP788)
Welcome to Secrets of Organ Playing Podcast No. 788! Today's question was sent by Nicolo and he writes:Dear Vidas,I'm an avid listener of your podcast and always enjoy the conversations that you and Ausra have.I'm a beginner located in Colorado (USA) looking to invest in a small practice organ like this residence organ that Bedient makes. I think you know this builder well, so I wanted
Is It Possible to Prepare for a Recital on a New Organ in 30 minutes or Less (SOPP787)
You walk into a dark church, you've never seen this console before, and the audience starts arriving in exactly 30 minutes. Is it actually possible to be ready? Today, we’re breaking down the emergency checklist.
SOPP786: Selecting and Playing Organ Repertoire for Funerals and Memorial Services
Welcome to Secrets of Organ Playing Podcast No. 786! Today Ausra and I would like to share our discussion on the emotional and technical considerations when choosing music for funerals and memorials, exploring Bach's and other composers' best contributions to the genre.
SOPP785: Have You Ever Had to Miss Your Own Recital?
Welcome to Secrets of Organ Playing Podcast No. 785! Today Ausra and I will talk about my unsuccessful trip to Aland Organ Festival last week when due to multiple flight cancellations and delays I would have missed my own recital and therefore had to cancel it. It was the first time in my 26 year career as international concert organist. There were some lessons learned from this experience too so
SOPP784: We Saw Olivier Latry in Vilnius!
Welcome to Secrets of Organ Playing Podcast No. 784! On June 11 Ausra and I went to the organ recital of Olivier Latry who visited Vilnius for the first time. This event was part of the Vilnius Festival and took place at St. Casimir's church. It was one of the most amazing recitals we have ever listened to in Lithuania! Hope you will enjoy our conversation!
SOPP783: The DIY Organist: Simple Maintenance and Fixes for Your Home Pipe or Virtual Organ Setup
Welcome to Secrets of Organ Playing Podcast No. 783! Today Ausra and I will be giving some practical advice for organists to handle common mechanical issues like loose keys and ciphering, empowering them to maintain their instruments (with some words of caution, of course). Hope you will will find it useful!
SOPP782: Unlock Your Creativity: A Beginner’s Guide to Modal Organ Improvisation
Welcome to Secrets of Organ Playing Podcast No. 781! Today Ausra and I will discuss the question of learning modal organ improvisation for beginners. We got inspiration for this topic from the comment by our good friend James Flores who said he should try modal improvisation. Hope you will enjoy it!
SOPP781: Mastering Digital Sheet Music and MobileSheets for Organists
Welcome to Secrets of Organ Playing Podcast No. 781! Today Ausra and I will discuss the question about playing organ music from tablets and MobileSheets app. Hope you will enjoy it!
SOPP780: Mental Practice for Organists - Accessible and Effective Way
Welcome to Secrets of Organ Playing Podcast No. 780! Today's question was sent by Dawn who is our Total Organist student and she writes:How can I learn ‘Mental Practice’? There is a lot of information about this on Youtube by other musicians but none of them are Organists. They claim to have an ability to play mentally, without a score or instrument. They see, hear and feel as if they are play
SOPP779: Breaking the Mental Block - How to Start Improvising Today
Welcome to Secrets of Organ Playing Podcast No. 779! Today Ausra and I will give some practical steps for classically trained organists to finally start improvising with confidence. Hope you will enjoy it!
SOPP778: Essential Tips and Repertoire for Wedding and Funeral Organists
Welcome to Secrets of Organ Playing Podcast No. 778! Today Ausra and I will discuss the topic of navigating the most common and high-stakes church services for organists weddings and funerals.
SOPP777: What organ repertoire would be comparable to the Durufle Requiem?
Welcome to Secrets of Organ Playing Podcast No. 777! Today's question was set by Leo and he writes:"What organ repertoire would be comparable to the Durufle Requiem? I’ve played the Prelude and Fugue in the name of Alain years ago for my Masters organ recital. Currently preparing a recital for the Spoleto festival in May."
SOPP776: I am a 77 year old first year student who wishes to play the organ as fast as possible
Welcome to Secrets of Organ Playing Podcast No. 776! Today's question was sent by Margaret and she writes:"I am a 77 year old female first year piano student who wishes to play the organ as fast as possible. How much daily practice would you suggest?"
SOPP775: My organ teacher told me not to look at my hands while I play
Welcome to Secrets of Organ Playing Podcast No. 775! Today's question was sent by Tamsin Jones who is a composer and organist from the UK and she writes:"I have, by the way, a talking point that you and Ausra might like to make use of in your podcast. Namely, my organ teacher told me not to look at my hands while I play. I didn't realise that I was doing it so often, but now that I
SOPP774: I got an email on notifying me that the processional and recessional hymns had been changed
Welcome to Secrets of Organ Playing Podcast No. 774! Today's question was sent by Julie who is a member of our Total Organist community and she writes:I was pleased that I was given Sunday’s hymns a couple of weeks in advance, which helps with planning preludes and postludes, but I got an email on Thursday notifying me that the processional and recessional hymns had been changed. (Sometimes th
SOPP773: What Is Your Technical Composing Process?
Welcome to Secrets of Organ Playing Podcast No. 773! Today's question was sent by our friend Rien Schalkwijk and wants to know what is our technical composing process.Here you will find all my scores: https://www.sheetmusicplus.com/en/category/arrangeme/?q=Secrets+of+Organ+Playing&aff_id=454957
SOPP772: Does Practicing on a Smaller Pedalboard Ruin Technique for Standard Pedaling
Welcome to Secrets of Organ Playing Podcast No. 772! Today's question was sent by Jerome and he writes:Hi Vidas,I’m an ardent listener of your podcast and a youtube channel.I have a quick question as it relates to pedal boards and practice. My church has the Rogers organ with the standard 32 pedalboard. However at home I have a smaller 25 note midi pedal board. I’m unable to practice at church
SOPP771: How can I know when to use the total legato touch, or the non-legato, in playing hymns?
Welcome to Secrets of Organ Playing Podcast No. 771! Today's question was sent by Arthur and he writes: "How can I know when to use the total legato touch, or the non-legato, in the execution of hymns?"Here you will find all my scores: https://www.sheetmusicplus.com/en/category/arrangeme/?q=Secrets+of+Organ+Playing&aff_id=454957
SOPP770: My dream for my organ playing is to be able to use the full compass pedal
Welcome to Secrets of Organ Playing Podcast No. 770! Today's question was sent by Remy and he writes:"My dream for my organ playing is to be able to use the actual pedal. Our church organ is small and has only one octave pedal."Here you will find all my scores: https://www.sheetmusicplus.com/en/category/arrangeme/?q=Secrets+of+Organ+Playing&aff_id=454957Secrets of Organ Playing M
SOPP769: Lately I have found myself repeating the same formulas in improvisation from week to week
Welcome to Secrets of Organ Playing Podcast No. 769! This question was sent by Mark and he writes:Dear Vidas,Thank you for your podcast, which I have found very enlightening! My question has to do with improvisation. As a church organist, I have an opportunity to improvise at least once during every Sunday service. I've been working hard on improving my improvisation skills over the past two y
SOPP768: My organ recital proposal was politely declined by the church committee
Welcome to Secrets of Organ Playing Podcast No. 768! This question was sent by our YouTube organist friend Rien Schalkwijk and he writes:Last year I offered a befriended church a Christmas organ concert — completely free. A festive gesture, I thought. It was politely declined, as the church committee felt it would be “too much work” for the volunteers. Quite what sort of work a solo organ recital
SOPP767: What strategies can help us expand our organ repertoire?
Welcome to Secrets of Organ Playing Podcast No. 767! This question was sent by our YouTube organist/composer colleague Alejandro Consolacion II and he writes:This question is especially for organists with regular church responsibilities. How can we keep track of the pieces we have already played and continue discovering new repertoire—particularly newly composed works by international composers pu
SOPP766: How can musicians effectively deal with nervousness and stage fright?
Welcome to Secrets of Organ Playing Podcast No. 766! This question was sent by Alejandro Consolacion II, our YouTube organist/composer colleague and he writes:There are times when, despite thorough preparation, things still fall apart during concerts or recitals. How can musicians effectively deal with nervousness and stage fright? What positive attitudes or mental approaches are essential in orde
SOPP765: Could you suggest a recommended sequence—from the easiest to the most challenging—for students working through this set of BWV 553-560?
Welcome to Secrets of Organ Playing Podcast No. 765! This question was sent by Alejandro Consolacion II, our YouTube organist/composer colleague and he writes:Aušra and Vidas,I just want to drop by and say thank you for your wonderful weekly podcast addressing various issues in organ playing. It has been incredibly helpful, and I truly enjoy your discussions and reflections on the weekly questions
SOPP764: About Sophie-Veronique Cauchefer-Choplin’s Mass Playing at Saint Sulpice in Paris
Welcome to Secrets of Organ Playing Podcast No. 764! Today Ausra and I are going to discuss what we saw at Saint Sulpice while we were in Paris recently. Specifically, how the famous organist Sophie-Veronique Cauchefer-Choplin superbly played Mass. Hope you will enjoy it!Here you will find all my scores: https://www.sheetmusicplus.com/en/category/arrangeme/?q=Secrets+of+Organ+Playing&aff_id=45
SOPP763: About our Organ Recitals at Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris
Welcome to Secrets of Organ Playing Podcast No. 763! Today Ausra and I will discuss our organ recitals at Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. Hope you will enjoy it!Here you will find all my scores: https://www.sheetmusicplus.com/en/category/arrangeme/?q=Secrets+of+Organ+Playing&aff_id=454957Secrets of Organ Playing Mug: https://www.zazzle.co.uk/z/ywbhd071?rf=238366920809443329You can support this
SOPP761: I have no confidence in selecting registration, past the very basics
Welcome to Secrets of Organ Playing Podcast No. 761! This question was sent by Ann and she writes: "I have no confidence in selecting registration, past the very basics. How do you suggest learning to get better at this?" Hope you will enjoy it!Here you will find all my scores: https://www.sheetmusicplus.com/en/category/arrangeme/?q=Secrets+of+Organ+Playing&aff_id=454957Secrets of Or
SOPP760: How easy it seems for you to improvise multiple processionals, and yet all different!
Welcome to Secrets of Organ Playing Podcast No. 760! This question was sent by our good YouTube organist friend Philippe Le Gargean and he writes: "How easy it seems for you to improvise multiple processionals, and yet all different!" So today Ausra and I are going to talk about Vidas' improvised processionals which he plays for various ceremonies and how to do it. Hope you will enjo
SOPP762: Our Secrets of Organ Playing 2025 Year in Review
Welcome to Secrets of Organ Playing Podcast No. 762! Today it's going to be a special episode where we discuss our organ 2025 year in review. Hope you will enjoy it!Here you will find all my scores: https://www.sheetmusicplus.com/en/category/arrangeme/?q=Secrets+of+Organ+Playing&aff_id=454957Secrets of Organ Playing Mug: https://www.zazzle.co.uk/z/ywbhd071?rf=238366920809443329You can supp
SOPP759: What do we do with toxic comments
Welcome to Secrets of Organ Playing Podcast No. 759! Today we will discuss the topic of what do we do with toxic comments. Hope you will enjoy the conversation!Here you will find all my scores: https://www.sheetmusicplus.com/en/category/arrangeme/?q=Secrets+of+Organ+Playing&aff_id=454957Secrets of Organ Playing Mug: https://www.zazzle.co.uk/z/ywbhd071?rf=238366920809443329You can support this
SOPP758: I've been bad about sitting down and focusing on just one or two pieces
Welcome to Secrets of Organ Playing Podcast No. 758! This question was sent by Patrick and he writes:"Thank you for your podcast, recordings, and tips. They are a great encouragement to me to persevere in my studies. Presently I’m struggling getting to the keyboard, but this has been the best or most productive year I've had so far. I've been bad about sitting down and focusing on jus
SOPP757: About Organist Burnout
Welcome to Secrets of Organ Playing Podcast No. 757! Today we'd like to talk about organist burnout. Hope you will enjoy it!Here you will find all my scores: https://www.sheetmusicplus.com/en/category/arrangeme/?q=Secrets+of+Organ+Playing&aff_id=454957Secrets of Organ Playing Mug: https://www.zazzle.co.uk/z/ywbhd071?rf=238366920809443329You can support this channel by becoming a member her
SOPP756: I wish to learn new music - preferably music by masters such as Bach, Reger, Vierne etc.
Welcome to Secrets of Organ Playing Podcast No. 756. This question was sent by Richard and he writes:1. I wish to learn new music - preferably music by masters such as Bach, Reger, Vierne, Buxtehude, etc. I wish to improve skills such as sight-reading, transposition. I wish to learn new skills such as open score reading, figured bass.2. Obstacles are the time required to learn challenging music, t
SOPP755: I would love to be able to sight read and improvise over hymns with ease
Welcome to Secrets of Organ Playing Podcast No. 755. This question was sent by Tad and he writes:1- I would love to be able to sight read and improvise over hymns with ease2- I struggle with reading from 4 lines at once and how to add improvisations and re-harmonisations that fit the tone and key of the hymn properlyHere you will find all my scores: https://www.sheetmusicplus.com/en/category/arran
SOPP754: Is wrist movement more for the piano and is not good on the organ?
Welcome to episode 754 of Secrets of Organ Playing Podcast. This question was sent by Ann and she writes:"I have a question. I'm a long time pianist, played organ through my college years, didn't play for many years, and have been studying with a teacher again and practicing a lot for the last couple of years. Love it!! My teacher is always telling me to play with a low wrist and fing
SOPP753: How do you learn to play organ toccatas?
Welcome to Episode No. 753 of Secrets of Organ Playing Podcast. This question was sent by our friend Rien Schalkwijk and he asks; "How do you learn to play toccatas? Is the learning process different for you if you’re refreshing an old toccata vs learning new toccata? How is Ausra learning them?"Here you will find all my scores: https://www.sheetmusicplus.com/en/category/arrangeme/?q=Sec
SOOP752: Tips and tricks for transcribing improvisations
Welcome to Episode No. 752 of Secrets of Organ Playing Podcast. Today Ausra and I would like to discuss a question sent by our friend Rien Schalkwijk. He wants to know if there are any tips and tricks for transcribing improvisations. Hope you will enjoy it!Here you will find all my scores: https://www.sheetmusicplus.com/en/category/arrangeme/?q=Secrets+of+Organ+Playing&aff_id=454957Secrets of
SOPP751: I’ve been playing the organ for a while and got used to playing in new balance 327 trainers
Welcome to Episode No. 751 of Secrets of Organ Playing Podcast. Today Ausra and I would like to discuss a comment sent by Duncan who writes: "I’ve been playing the organ for a while and got used to playing in new balance 327 trainers". Hope you will enjoy it!Here you will find all my scores: https://www.sheetmusicplus.com/en/category/arrangeme/?q=Secrets+of+Organ+Playing&aff_id=45495
SOPP749: Is it worth reading treatises about historical performance practice?
Welcome to Secrets of Organ Playing Podcast episode 749! Today let's discuss the question if it worth reading treatises about historical performance practice?Here you will find all my scores: https://www.sheetmusicplus.com/en/category/arrangeme/?q=Secrets+of+Organ+Playing&aff_id=454957Secrets of Organ Playing Mug: https://www.zazzle.co.uk/z/abykn9us?rf=238366920809443329You can support thi
SOPP748: How do you choose your keys for your pieces?
Welcome to Secrets of Organ Playing Podcast episode 748! Today's question was sent by our friend Rien Schalkwijk and he writes:How do you choose your keys for your recent piece for instance. And how do you choose the modulations in a piece? Next to that I’m intrigued by the style from Ausra where she uses a different key every few bars but it still sounds so smooth.Here you will find all my sc
SOPP747: Can digital piano help learn to play the organ?
Welcome to Secrets of Organ Playing Podcast episode 747! Today's question was sent by Guilhermeand he writes:Hi Vidas,I probably won't be able to properly answer these questions, so I apologise in advance for a possibly long email which might not have much use. It's also a bit to help me organise my thoughts.I'm from Portugal (a village close to Porto). I played the organ in church
SOPP746: How to avoid mistakes in organ practice
Welcome to Secrets of Organ Playing Podcast episode 746! Today Ausra and I will talk about how to avoid mistakes in organ practice. Hope you will enjoy it!Here you will find all my scores: https://www.sheetmusicplus.com/en/category/arrangeme/?q=Secrets+of+Organ+Playing&aff_id=454957Secrets of Organ Playing Mug: https://www.zazzle.co.uk/z/abykn9us?rf=238366920809443329You can support this chann
SOPP745: How can I improve fingering in general without using annotated scores?
Welcome to Secrets of Organ Playing Podcast episode 745! This question was sent by Dawn who is our Total Organist program member and she wants to know how can she improve fingering in general without using annotated scores?Here you will find all my scores: https://www.sheetmusicplus.com/en/category/arrangeme/?q=Secrets+of+Organ+Playing&aff_id=454957You can support this channel by becoming a me
SOPP744: How to find joy and motivation in organ playing again
Welcome to Secrets of Organ Playing Podcast episode 744! This question was sent by our good friend James Flores from Australia and who shared some of his feedback on our recent episode talking how much to practice on the organ per day. He writes:"This was a very insightful podcast. For me it's also about deadlines. I think I may have covered this in a video of my own in the past too. The
SOPP743: The dream I have for organ playing is how to improvise and transpose hymns with ease
Welcome to Secrets of Organ Playing Podcast episode 743! This question was sent by David and he writes:Hello Vidas,Thank you for your wonderful advice and tips you give on ‘Secrets of Organ Playing’! I look forward to the articles and appreciate them very much.I have also played the pipe organ for many years and have gone through the Canadian Royal Conservatory of Music program. Since getting marr
SOPP742: How much should you practice organ playing?
Welcome to Secrets of Organ Playing Podcast episode 742! Today Ausra and I will talk about an important aspect of organ playing - how much should you practice? Hope you will enjoy it!Here you will find all my scores: https://www.sheetmusicplus.com/en/category/arrangeme/?q=Secrets+of+Organ+Playing&aff_id=454957You can support this channel by becoming a member here: https://www.youtube.com/chann
SOPP741: My dream is to learn how to play pieces that I love or that are "standard repertoire"
Welcome to Secrets of Organ Playing Podcast episode 741! This question was sent by David and he writes:Hello Vidas,Thank you for the email. I am happy to answer the two questions. My dream is to learn how to play pieces that I love or that are "standard repertoire" with confidence and good technique.Three things holding me back are better technique, better ways to learn a piece and playi
SOPP740: What is the significance, in organ registrations, of grand choeur, grand jeu and plein jeu?
Welcome to Secrets of Organ Playing Podcast episode 740! This question was sent by Jeovane and he writes:Hello Vidas, could you help me with a question? What is the significance, in registrations, of Grand choeur, grand jeu and plein jeu? I learned that plein jeu is the combination of all the founds and mixtures; grand jeu the combination of all principals, mixtures and reeds; and grand choeur a o
SOPP739: My organ teacher taught me various ways to orient myself while playing the pedals
Let's start episode 739 of Secrets of Organ Playing podcast. This question was sent by Tamsin Jones and she writes:My organ teacher taught me various ways to orient myself and to find notes while playing the pedals, such as finding the gaps between black keys or brushing up or down to the next note. However, my intuition is telling me that at some point I need to begin playing mainly by intern
SOPP738: Did the Soviets allow sacred music?
Let's start episode 738 of Secrets of Organ Playing podcast. This question was sent by Jeovane and he asks:Did the Soviets allow sacred music? This question reminds me of Arvo Part’s Credo, banned for "political provocation".Hope you will enjoy the conversation!
SOPP737: Do you also compose for others, after their wishes?
Let's start episode 737 of Secrets of Organ Playing Podcast. This question was sent by Kathrin and she writes:Do you also compose for others, after their wishes? Do you get such requests sometimes?For what instruments do you compose beside the organ or piano?Hope you will enjoy it!
SOPP736: Advice about my situation as a passionate organist with health problems
Let's start episode 736 of Secrets of Organ Playing Podcast. This question was sent by Alessandro and he writes:I am writing to you to ask for advice about my situation as a passionate organist with health problems. I suffer from diabetes, therefore I have problems with the pedalboard to find the notes due to the decrease of the sense of position, typical of the disease. I also have vision pro
SOPP735: Ausra, is your technique for composing the same as Vidas?
Let's start episode 735 of Secrets of Organ Playing Podcast. This question was sent by Dawn and she asks:Ausra, is your technique for composing the same as Vidas?Hope you will enjoy this conversation!Find out more at https://organduo.lt
SOPP734: Do you have a method not to forget pieces anymore?
Let's start episode 734 of Secrets of Organ Playing Podcast. This question was sent by Kathrin and she writes:That's a really interesting topic. Can I add a few questions?- Level 1 - 2 - 3 method sounds plausible. But for me, when a piece really looks like level 1, after practicing for a while, it turns out, it's at least level 2. I never found level 1 pieces.What would you suggest?- F
SOPP733: I have shaking hands and the fear of messing up when playing the organ in public
Let's start episode 733 of Secrets of Organ Playing Podcast. This question was sent by Ann and she writes:I have a related problem. I also have been working on the E flat trio sonata, and have absolutely loved working on it/playing it. But I played it in a recital recently (one movement) and I played it badly, even though it is great when I play by myself. When I started playing, my hands were
SOPP732: I think some pieces are just inherently "mismatched" with the performer
Let's start episode 732 of Secrets of Organ Playing Podcast. These questions were sent by Rien and Benas and they write:Maybe you could answer this question in a podcast (referring to Benas): with some pieces you “feel” while practicing that everything comes together. And if you are there, you stay there. Even if you don’t play the piece for a while, it still flows (maybe with some light pract
SOPP731: Is it a good thing to put your hands on the bench during pedal solos?
Let's start episode 731 of Secrets of Organ Playing Podcast. This question was sent by Dan and he writes:Interesting podcast episode here, on pedal technique, Vidas. You talk about putting hands on the bench during pedal solos. I’ll often do this, as I’m not playing anything in the manuals. Would you say this is a good thing to do, technically speaking? Or would you advise organists that yo
SOPP730: After learning to play Bach's Trio Sonata in Eb major, I found myself reluctant to try and explore the rest of the Trio sonatas
Welcome to episode 730 of Secrets of Organ Playing Podcast! This question was sent by Benas, our student at Vilnius University organ studio "Unda Maris" and he writes:After learning to play Bach's Trio Sonata in Eb major, I found myself reluctant to try and explore the rest of the Trio sonatas. What could I try to overcome this fear? Last year, I played Bach's Trio Sonata in E-fl
SOPP729: Is there a way Total Organist would help me develop my skills faster than where I’m at now?
Let's start episode SOPP729 of Secrets of Organ Playing Podcast. This question was sent by Nick and he writes:Hi there! Been following your site for a while (and even bought a few pieces). I just recently stepped up to learn organ for my church – it’s a Catholic traditional Latin church, so I’m being asked to play hymns, interludes, and to accompany chant when I can. It’s been a while since I’
SOPP728: Prolific Composer James Michael Stevens: "Try to Go Slow But Never Stop"
Welcome to Secrets of Organ Playing Podcast No. 728! It's Vidas and usually we do these conversations with Ausra but today I’m delighted to speak with a very special guest—someone whose music has brought inspiration, beauty, and calm to listeners and performers around the world.Dr. James Michael Stevens, joining us from Nashville, Tennessee, is a remarkably prolific composer, pianist, and educator
SOPP727: Is this an embarrassingly slow tempo for BWV 624?
Let's start episode 727 of Secrets of Organ Playing Podcast. This question was sent by Gene and he writes:My question is tempo, on BWV 624: Hilf Gott, dass mir's gelinge by J.S. Bach. I'm amazed that I can play it pretty well, and it sounds pretty good on my funny, little house organ. Fluit 4, on the triplets and to Pedal. Cantus on Principal 8. I can play it @75, metronome, mostly. S
SOPP726: Do you think that radiating pedal boards suit heel-and-toe technique better?
Welcome to episode 726 of Secrets of Organ Playing Podcast! This question was sent by Tamsin and she writes:I have a technical question that you might be able to shed some light on. When playing Baroque repertoire I usually use all-toes technique. I would like to ask if you find foot-crossing and other elements of all-toes technique easier to perform on a straight pedal board than on a radial pe
SOPP725: Is it possible at 78 years old to memorize?
Let’s start episode 725 of Secrets of Organ Playing Podcast. This question was sent by Steve and he writes:Is it possible at 78 years old to memorize?Hope you will enjoy this conversation!
SOPP724: I need festive, more or less bold and „friendly“ pieces, at least between 3 to 5 minutes
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 p
SOPP723: 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!
Let’s start episode 723 of Secrets of Organ Playing Podcast. This question was sent by the listener 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 practic
SOPP722: My New Year’s resolution is to be confident at improvising
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://Pa
SOPP721: Since I have some problems with my eyesight and was looking for a somewhat large written edition of Bach organ music
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 ma
SOPP720: Could you advise me on how to play on a one manual organ?
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 pla
