Transitioning From Pianist to Organist
What You Need to Know
At some point during my career as a pianist, I was asked to learn to play the pipe organ and assist a church who had a sudden vacancy. This ended up turning into a long term position, which offered me a stable income and unparalleled musical enrichment. I jokingly say that I became an organist on accident because I fell into this line of work completely unintentionally.
I have noticed many pianists finding themselves in a similar situation of "accidentally" becoming organists. Many pianists may be offered such an opportunity at some point in their lives. Sometimes, it seems as if there are more church organ positions throughout the country than organists who are prepared to accept such a call. Despite this field being so specialized, it remains accessible to those who possess strong keyboard and accompaniment skills.
The Overlap Between Organ and Piano
Since the piano and the organ are both keyboard instruments, there is some overlap between them, technically speaking. It's quite possible to develop a proficiency for both instruments simultaneously. I like to think of the organ as a symphonic version of everything one might love about the piano. The instrument can fill a large space quite unlike a piano, which makes it uniquely suited to a liturgical setting. The organ essentially enables a pianist to experience a different sense of scale in their musicianship.
I had the pleasure of studying with many great pianists, almost all of whom were organists at some point. As it turns out, there is a relatively long standing history of this sort of overlap. You would be surprised to learn how many famous piano composers held church organist positions throughout their lives.
Pianists need to know that there are many practical, musical, and financial advantages to holding an organist position, even if they are primarily dedicated to other endeavors. The musical history of keyboard music in general is very connected, and focusing only on piano repertoire certainly misses the bigger picture.
Advantages of Organ Playing and Church Work
There are countless benefits associated with church accompaniment work and organ playing. Here are just a few considerations:
You will dramatically increase your sight reading ability
The right organist position offers a long term financial stability to your life
There is an entire world of musical history that will reveal itself to you once you study organ repertoire
You will be a more capable pianist by learning the required techniques of the organ
You will have frequent opportunities to work with other musicians and feel like part of a team
You will find yourself in beautiful churches exploring amazing instruments
I have really enjoyed my experience as an organist, and I strongly recommend all serious pianists consider making themselves available for such an opportunity at some point in their lives.
In many cases, an organist position can offer more financial stability compared to teaching piano or other accompaniment work. It also enables pianists to develop their musicianship in a totally different way, a way which often improves the ability at the piano as well.
Preparing to Study Organ
For anyone considering studying the organ, I strongly recommend picking up some keyboard skills first. It is my opinion that the organ has too much going on to be anyone’s first instrument.
With this in mind, here are a few other helpful suggestions:
Study plenty of baroque material without relying on the damper pedal
Practice exercises and pieces that improve legato playing (in the hands) and finger substitutions
Practice reading 4-part chorales or hymns
Listen to organ repertoire from organ composers such as Bach, Mendelssohn, Vierne, Widor, Duruffle, and others.
Consider finding an organ teacher and a practice instrument (sometimes these can come together)
In the mean time, I would like to encourage anyone who has questions about this line of work or organ playing in general to leave a comment for me (and also subscribe to this newsletter).
I am particularly experienced with Roman Catholic Liturgy, so I can certainly assist you if you are finding yourself in a similar situation as I did. I would be glad to help you however I can!