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Becoming an organist involves learning music theory and keyboard techniques, then focusing on the specific techniques for playing the organ. Organists can work in various settings, and experienced keyboardists can learn to become organists through practice, but it requires coordination and skill to play the instrument effectively.
There are many different paths a person can take to become an organist or any other professional musician. Many professional organists start by enrolling in traditional music classes during childhood. Although the first instrument a keyboardist learns to play is usually a piano or synthesizer keyboard, the same basic principles of music theory and keyboard techniques can still be applied to the organ later on. Some keyboard students find it easier to learn the instrument and music theory through organized lessons, while others may learn the essentials through self-study and experimentation. During a musician’s formative years, it is generally considered more important to learn music theory and appreciation than to become technically proficient on any particular musical instrument.
Once a prospective organist learns the basics of musicianship, he or she may decide to focus on a specific type of keyboard instrument. While organs and pianos are considered keyboard instruments, the techniques for playing on either can differ significantly. A pianist may want to become an organist at some point, or an organist may want to become a pianist, but both must learn a new language of performance technique. A piano is essentially a percussion instrument, while an organ is closer in performance and tonality to a wind instrument. To become an organist, a music student must enroll in specific courses focused on organ performance while studying music. Many organ performance programs require candidates to demonstrate interest in and aptitude for the instrument.
Some keyboardists with natural aptitudes for the organ can learn to play well enough to work as church accompanists without the need for further collegiate studies. A qualified organist or keyboard player can also become an organist for local sports facilities, skating rinks or funeral homes. Freelance keyboardists who can perform in various types of bodies can also be hired for wedding ceremonies and funerals or memorial services. Local orchestras or musical ensembles can also hire a professional organist to enhance a performance, as the instrument can provide unobtrusive background accompaniment.
An experienced pianist or keyboardist can also learn to become an organist through experimentation and practice. Learning to perform simultaneously on several different keyboard “rows” or rows can be very challenging, as can coordinating the foot pedal keyboard and the swell pedal. Organs also contain several options called stops, which select the various instrumental voices. A professional organist playing a full pipe organ must learn to change stops for various keyboard categories, execute challenging musical passages, use his feet for additional bass support, and control dynamics through several different pedals, all essentially at the same time. time. This is one of the reasons why a young keyboard player needs to consider the demands of the instrument before deciding whether or not to become an organist.
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