Secrets of Organ Playing Podcast

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 actually shaking. This is the second recital this has happened to me in, the first was a Guilmant Finale. I play the piano relatively frequently in public and have never had shaking hands. But when playing the organ, which I've taken up again in the last couple of years after many years off) – the shaking hands and the fear of messing up. I can't take a permanent church job to get in more frequent public playing because of schedule issues. Should I just give up playing in public, or is there a fix for this? Get more organ playing advice at https://organduo.lt

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 practice) out of your hands in the right way, while other pieces don’t seem to “stick”. What’s the reason? Not enough practice, wrong practice routines? Or just a mismatch between the piece and performer? Benas: Hi, Rien, that's a very interesting topic You've touched upon - yes, I think some pieces are just inherently "mismatched" with the performer (I've had quite a few when I was learning piano in music school), but after a while I tried revisiting them and often found that the issue was the skill level required to play as well as understand the piece. But some of them just can't seem to be done right no matter how hard You try yet they flow in other performers' hands and feet beautifully - maybe they could offer insight into how they perceive the piece? It surely would be interesting to know all the factors that go into "matching" the performer and the piece of music. Rien: it would be nice if Ausra and Vidas make a Podcast over it. I myself struggle with Toccatas (my brain seems to have troubles with repeating patterns) and with pieces with lots of accidentals. That’s the reason I still haven’t published “Priere de Notre Dame” by Boellmann. There are lots of accidentals in it. So I prefer a piece written in 5 flats over a piece in F full with accidentals. But why? I think that’s interesting… If you liked this conversation, you can buy us a coffee at https://buymeacoffee.com/organduo

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 you’re working with, to keep their hands on the manuals, so they can be ready for when manual parts come back in? Speaking of playing baroque music with toes only, with the Toccata, from BWV 564, and the pedal solo that it has in it, how would you play the part that has triplets in it, as smooth as possible? This is a bit in that pedal solo in that toccata that I've always not gotten as smooth as I’d like it to be, and as smooth as I’ve heard organists generally play it. Find out more at https://organduo.lt

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-flat major (BWV 525) at Vilnius University Unda Maris Studio Recital in winter. I found the entire learning process extremely difficult compared to any other piece I tried to learn. Usually, when I am learning to play any piece of music, at some point I get a certain feeling that it's all going to come together eventually and that has been a good predictor of whether I will perform it well in the concert. However, with this piece, I could not feel that at all and my concert performance was really not up to my liking, making an underwhelming result after practicing it for about a year (although I must admit, the practice schedule was not very rigorous). As a result - I am really reluctant to try to learn the rest of the Trio Sonatas. However, at some point in life, I would still like to learn them. Any tips to overcome this "fear" and strategies for my next practice sessions? Many thanks!!! More information: https://organduo.lt

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’ve been at the keyboard – so I’ve started myself over in theory books (currently in book 4 of a 10 book series) and am doing my best to start to learn pedals. I’ve been working with a local teacher here who is a concert organist and we’ve been going through the New Oxford Organ Method book along with Flor Peeters’ Little Organ Book. I recently saw that you all have the total organist course and I’m interested – however I also don’t want to make the mistake of grabbing too many resources. I’m emailing to get some insight into the course – is there a way it would be able to help me develop my skills faster than where I’m at now? Or, would there be a course or two that you’d recommend for purchase that would help me? Thanks for a great website – I’ve been enjoying the content so far (and used your Laetare Sunday prelude before Mass this year – so thank you for that!) God bless, Nick

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. He currently serves as the Dean of the School of Music at Welch College, and his creative output is nothing short of astonishing. With thousands of published compositions, Dr. Stevens has developed a signature style that blends lyrical grace, spiritual depth, and heartfelt simplicity. Many of his works, especially his meditative piano pieces, have become favorites among church musicians, educators, and recording artists alike. His music resonates deeply with people looking for comfort, peace, and emotional honesty—and more recently, it has also found a home in the repertoires of organists. In this episode, we’ll explore how James approaches composition and stays so remarkably productive. We’ll discuss how he balances creative flow with discipline, what inspires the emotional tone of his music, and how sacred themes guide his writing. We’ll also talk about his experiences in music education, the challenges and rewards of publishing, and what advice he would give to aspiring composers and church musicians today. Enjoy the conversation! James Michael Stevens Website: https://www.jamesmichaelstevens.com/welcome.html All music at Sheet Music Plus: https://www.sheetmusicplus.com/en/category/arrangeme/?q=James+M+Stevens+Music+ASCAP?&aff_id=605733 Organ Solo Music at Sheet Music Plus: https://www.sheetmusicplus.com/en/category/instruments/piano-and-keyboard/organ/organ-solo/?prefn1=artists_composers&prefv1=James+Michael+Stevens Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7oMHPMTAKVFtskAXuQ4u1k?si=vk9WqmheTUWEfnAAJpUGIAJames Michael Stevens

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. Soon, I will be able to do it, start-to-finish. Of course, I listen to people on YouTube playing it much faster. Is this an embarrassingly slow tempo? What should be a goal?

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 pedal board since the distance does not change. Put another way, do you think that radiating pedal boards suit heel-and-toe technique better? Many thanks and warm regards, Tamsin

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!​

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 preparations. What would you suggest, not to play Dubois‘ „Fanfare“ and BWV 553 every year?

Let’s start episode 723 of Secrets of Organ Playing Podcast. This question was sent by Filippa 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 practice my repertoire, and needing lots more SUPER simple videos like you share to help me learn. I would love to see more videos about simple improvisations- I am a great organist, but improvisation is (and has always been!) a major “black hole” for me- and I am getting a lot out of your videos about harmonization, chord progressions, and simple improvisation. More of these simple videos, or ones that build on the video would be most helpful. For example, I used the techniques in the “Auld Lang Syne” video to make an improvisation on St. Brendan’s (They’ll know we are Christians”) as it is also pentatonic -in an ABA format (I’m going to use a bicinium for the B part I think). But it was something you mentioned could be done to expand in the Auld Lang Syne video, and I’m working on it as something for communion for a job interview. I think you do a really excellent job of explaining things very simply- I have made it a goal for 2025 to work on the techniques you are sharing for improvisation, rather than just “being stuck to the page”. I need it so simply and clearly explained. Thank you! Filippa Duke 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://PayPal.Me/VPinkeviciusWe support Ukraine: https://www.blue-yellow.lt/enMy Hauptwerk setup: https://www.organduo.lt/tools.htmlTotal Organist - the most comprehensive organ training program online: https://www.organduo.lt/total-organistSecrets of Organ Playing - When You Practice, Miracles Happen! https://organduo.ltListen to my organ playing on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0ckKPIvTWucoN3CZwGodCO?si=YWy7_0HqRvaZwBcovL-RKg#secretsoforganplaying #vidaspinkevicius #ausramotuzaite

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://PayPal.Me/VPinkeviciusWe support Ukraine: https://www.blue-yellow.lt/enMy Hauptwerk setup: https://www.organduo.lt/tools.htmlTotal Organist - the most comprehensive organ training program online: https://www.organduo.lt/total-organistSecrets of Organ Playing - When You Practice, Miracles Happen! https://organduo.ltListen to my organ playing on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0ckKPIvTWucoN3CZwGodCO?si=YWy7_0HqRvaZwBcovL-RKg#secretsoforganplaying #vidaspinkevicius #ausramotuzaite

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 manual for organ improvisation in style or if you can recommend something for study. Massimiliano

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 place. I only had time to play through 10 carols and rescue a service. I am most grateful. Thank you, Maureen 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 #secretsoforganplayingpodcast #vidaspinkevicius #ausramotuzaite

Welcome to episode 719 of Secrets of Organ Playing Podcast. This question was sent by Kurt and he writes: Dear Vidas, Thanks for Your newsletter and the advice and remarks for technical topics such as registration and daily exercises. My dream at the moment (as on beginner level) is to coordinate the pedal playing - it causes me so much power (and pain?) to get the brain (and hands and feet) in the right moment on the correct key on the manual(s) and or the pedal. It seems this will be a long way to go and get the body "divorced" for the time playing the organ. What holds me back? First, my own impatience, trying to proceed quicker than needed or expected from my teacher. Second, to leave the flat walking to the (cold) church for practicing.... Third is, to not have enough funds to buy an organ for at home (and the space to install it here in my flat). So I hope You can follow my thoughts about organ playing and are of help for Your new coaching program. Wish You a great further day. Best regards from Germany Kurt.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://PayPal.Me/VPinkeviciusWe support Ukraine: https://www.blue-yellow.lt/enMy Hauptwerk setup: https://www.organduo.lt/tools.htmlTotal Organist - the most comprehensive organ training program online: https://www.organduo.lt/total-organistSecrets of Organ Playing - When You Practice, Miracles Happen! https://organduo.ltListen to my organ playing on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0ckKPIvTWucoN3CZwGodCO?si=YWy7_0HqRvaZwBcovL-RKg#secretsoforganplayingpodcast #vidaspinkevicius #ausramotuzaite

Welcome to episode 718 of Secrets of Organ Playing Podcast. This question was sent by Carl and she writes:"Hallo Vidas! My stretch goal is to be a church organist. I can't really play the piano right now, I have to learn that. I have no access to an organ. I am stretched for time. I guess this is pretty vanilla feedback. But that's pretty much it."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://PayPal.Me/VPinkeviciusWe support Ukraine: https://www.blue-yellow.lt/enMy Hauptwerk setup: https://www.organduo.lt/tools.htmlTotal Organist - the most comprehensive organ training program online: https://www.organduo.lt/total-organistSecrets of Organ Playing - When You Practice, Miracles Happen! https://organduo.ltListen to my organ playing on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0ckKPIvTWucoN3CZwGodCO?si=YWy7_0HqRvaZwBcovL-#secretsoforganplayingpodcast #vidaspinkevicius #ausramotuzaite

Welcome to episode 717 of Secrets of Organ Playing Podcast. This question was sent by Pamela and she writes: "I would be interested in tips on how to accompany plainsong chant. I know that many people do not like or approve of chant accompaniments but many USA churches use them. The organist often has to invent on the spot." 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://PayPal.Me/VPinkeviciusWe support Ukraine: https://www.blue-yellow.lt/enMy Hauptwerk setup: https://www.organduo.lt/tools.htmlTotal Organist - the most comprehensive organ training program online: https://www.organduo.lt/total-organistSecrets of Organ Playing - When You Practice, Miracles Happen! https://organduo.ltListen to my organ playing on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0ckKPIvTWucoN3CZwGodCO?si=YWy7_0HqRvaZwBcovL-#secretsoforganplayingpodcast #vidaspinkevicius #ausramotuzaite

Let’s start episode 716 of Secrets of Organ Playing Podcast. This question was sent by Ray, and he writes: “Hey Vidas Thanks for your tips. Here are my goals: - to increase my play from memory ability (given the fact that l am 71) and to perform two major pieces Challenges: - time is a challenge - correct fingering (still fumbling at times) - improve my pedal skill Thanks again for your tips! Regards Ray” 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-

Let’s start episode 715 of Secrets of Organ Playing Podcast. This question was sent by Ben, and he writes: 1. Goal: To play more complex pieces such as Bach D minor "Dorian" toccata and fugue fluently 2. Obstacle: Advanced age (76) although I did study organ at ages 15-17 and violin from age 9 and have a good knowledge of music theory. Fortunately now being semi-retired I have time to practice, so help to get back to where I was as a teenager and advance beyond that will be useful. Thanks! 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- #secretsoforganplayingpodcast #organplaying #organfingering

Let’s start episode 714 of Secrets of Organ Playing podcast. This question was sent by Kathrin, and she writes: “When I first write fingerings in the score, partly it doesn't work anymore, when I play the piece faster. In some pieces it is necessary to play one or two or more notes in the first line in the left hand or vice versa. So both hands have to work together. I can only write fingerings for both hands together. How to study pieces with chords like in the French romantic for instance and with more than one note in every hand? Kind regards, Kathrin” 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-