Volunteer Organists

Regular courses for the ‘reluctant’ or volunteer organist, providing support and training to help those who have volunteered to play the organ in their church. The courses include sessions on hymn playing, accompanying services, coping with organ stops, simple use of pedals and useful repertoire – an essential survival package!

The website: www.volunteerorganist.com

NEXT COURSE:

One-day courses  - Friday 24th February 2012, 9.15am to 5.00pm
These courses are now free of charge in the Diocese of Salisbury.

Using the organ in Salisbury Methodist Church, Robert Fielding will be encouraging volunteer organists to pull all the stops out and spend a day to boost confidence and gain skills in playing the 'King of Instruments'.

Tutoring on this course is very rewarding as those attending are in real need of information and guidance. All tutors are experienced in dealing with the problems faced by those who volunteer to play the organ in their church and they endeavour to equip the player with immediate information needed for survival! Limited time to practise, the unique features of your own church organ and immediate service-playing needs are taken into consideration.

Time is spent in making sure that the player knows the instrument well and begins to feel confident with the stops, swell pedal and keyboard touch. They are then introduced to the delights of the pedal-board!  We also get behind the organ case and explain how the organ works. Each participant receives an extensive tutor book that covers everything touched on during the course, including what shoes to wear!

As the number of churches looking for organists increases and the number of trained organists willing to commit to regular service playing dwindles, the volunteer organist is becoming a valued resource. These regular courses aim to provide the necessary training in a flexible and sympathetic package.

For further information on the course or to book a free place, please get in touch with Robert Fielding: 07879 443060, rcfielding@googlemail.com

Visit the website for full details and resources: www.volunteerorganist.com