Learning the big organs

[Guest]

I have decided i wish to move into full pedalboard organs. I have no space for the massive electronic console organs. I was thinking about asking the local church if I could practice with their instrument once a week or so. Is this a feasible proposition? I can practice most of my music at home, but eventually there is just no substitute for a full pedalboard.

[NYCFarmboy]

Re: Learning the big organs

yes, just ask nicely and perhaps volunteer to play a service or two on occasion. :)

[Havoc]

Re: Learning the big organs

"No" you have, "Yes" you can get. It never hurts to ask. But expect that they ask something in return. Some churches have an "organ fund" and ask a contribution (and some of those are heavy!). I started that way the first years. They asked me to play the saturday evening service in return.

[Guest]

Re: Learning the big organs

well, we'll see if they think i'm good enough to play services.

[Guest]

Re: Learning the big organs

well, we'll see if they think i'm good enough to play services.

[Havoc]

Re: Learning the big organs



Be honest when they ask and tell -or let them hear- what you can. I didn't do more than play something when people entered/left and a bit during communion. Later added a few very short lines after lectures. Never with choir, there wasn't any saturday evening.

And get a pair of long johns and gloves. Practising in winter can be very cold in an unheated church! 

[Guest]

Re: Learning the big organs

Right, I would never be dishonest about my abilities. That is completely self destructive. Unless you are some kind of masochist who enjoys humiliating himself in front of a congregation.