How do you become the church's organist?

[talss]

The main title...</p>

I mean, how do you become the church's organist?</p>

I've always been interested on the process of become the organist of the church..
</p>

[mpsnknox]

Re: How do you become the church's organist?

You Audition and have an Interview.

[soubasse32]

Re: How do you become the church's organist?



Itisquite uncommonfor an organistto walk into a church office and ask for a job.It would be ratherimpolite to offer one's services if the churchcurrently has an organist, even an incompetent one. [:)]</P>


In the USA there is an organization called The American Guild of Organists. Many of the regional chapters have newsletters which advertise job openings. </P>


Lacking any such local resources, I would recommend that you introduce yourself to some organists in your area. They probably have a very good idea of churches which might be seeking an organist.</P>

[myorgan]

Re: How do you become the church's organist?



[quote user="talss"] I mean, how do you become the church's organist?[/quote]</P>


Why in heaven's name would you ever want to do that?[A] Do you realize what you're getting yourself into?</P>


I began by substituting for the church's organist, then went to college for it. Others have just happened into a position.</P>


Are you a pianist or an organist, and are you really interested in becoming organist of a particular church or just one in general?</P>

[jbird604]

Re: How do you become the church's organist?



A lot depends on what type of church you're talking about and where you are. Inthis smallsouthern state, there seems to be a dire shortage of organists. Many churches are quite desperate for someone, anyone, who is able and willing to serve, regardless of training or experience. Often without regard to any "spiritual" qualifications either, so one needn't necessarily accept the theology of a given church to serve as organist.</P>


The situation is a little different in "evangelical" churches(I really don't like to use that term, because it implies thatcertain denominations have a monopoly on the "evangel" or literally "the gospel" which ought to be understood as the sacred trust of all Christians... but I digress)...</P>


Anyway, I'm referring to Baptist churches in particular, and I am one, so I speak from personal knowledge. In many if not most such churches, it would be quite essential for the organist to be a member of the church, and expected to be pretty faithful and "spiritual" if you know what I mean.</P>


So, in this area at least, you could probably become a church organist somewherejust by offering your services, perhaps though contacting an organ technician (I get a lot of requests from churches for names of potential organists) or a denominational office or other organization that serves churches. Assuming, of course, that you play well enough to serve the church's needs and understand the role you will be expected to fill.</P>


I haven't mentioned the AGO, not being a part of it. But I respect that organization and understand that membership is often a good route to finding a position in a church with an excellent instrument and high musical standards. If you are not a member, you might contact your local chapter and see if they can help you find a position.</P>


You might get lucky, as I did, and find yourself invited to become organist in the church you already attend. In my case, I was directing the choir, and the pastor knew that I could play the organ. He asked me to find the church an organ and start playing it, which I was delighted to do! (The rest is a long story that I've related before on this forum.)</P>


Perhaps the best thing you can do is sharpen your skills, practice, study, prepare, and let your interest in the organ be known. Then see what happens!</P>


John</P>
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[soubasse32]

Re: How do you become the church's organist?



talss is in Israel, so most of the references we have here won't apply.</P>


talss has also never seen a pipe organ, and has of late been making inquiries about how they work and how to build them.</P>


talss, do you currently play the piano or any keyboard instrument?Some keyboard facility and music-reading abilitywould be a prerequisite to becoming an organist.</P>


There are not many organs in Israel, so I think it would be a rather competitive field. Do you plan on returning to the US?</P>


I did read an article that describes many of the pipe organs in Israel -of course, most of the places are synagogues. When you say you want to play for "church", do you mean a Protestant church? I think that it would be even harder to find such a job in Israel.</P>


Please let us know so we can clear up some of these mysteries. [:)]</P>

[Menschenstimme]

Re: How do you become the church's organist?

I have a CD on the D&amp;G label entitled "Organ Landscape Jerusalem." It features several pipe organs around Jerusalem, mostly in Christian churches.

[talss]

Re: How do you become the church's organist?



Actually I was asking this question not in order to become a church's organist, but just to know how people become the organists, and I quite understood the point so thank you very much for your responses :)</p>

About me:
</p>

I've started to learn how to play the spinet organ in my house recently.. and I've found the pipe organ as a very fascinating instrument and I hope that I will ever have the chance to play a real pipe organ once...but I'm not really planning on becoming a church's organist (the main reason is because there are no churches in the near 100kilometers from where I live)
</p>

[ebach1]

Re: How do you become the church's organist?



"I have a CD on the D&amp;G label entitled "Organ Landscape Jerusalem." It features several pipe organs around Jerusalem, mostly in Christian churches"</P>


it isnt much fun being an organist here in israel , good instruments are rare and access to them is limited .</P>


i friend of mine imigrated to europe in order to become pro</P>

[talss]

Re: How do you become the church's organist?



Are you from Israel too?
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Well, most organs are in cathedrals\churches, so I guess that the main reason of the lack of quality pipe organs is because of the low amount of churches.
</p>

[soubasse32]

Re: How do you become the church's organist?



talss, meet ebach1. [:)]</P>


Perhaps you two can work out a meeting.</P>


talss, the next time you come to the USA please let us know in advance.Perhaps an Organ Forum member would be willing to show you some instruments or give you some contacts.</P>