Play the Organ

Many of those inspired by hearing the organ and its music find themselves wanting to learn to play it for themselves – and understandably so!

While this complex instrument can seem daunting at first, its versatility, power and beauty make it an endlessly rewarding one to play. While the traditional approach of taking lessons with an organ teacher is still likely to be best for most people, there are an increasing number of online and digital resources available to help you take your first steps, or consider what approach to learning might best suit you and your circumstances.

This section of First Stop! contains a selection of resources and content to help anyone taking those first steps, whether you are already a piano or keyboard player, familiar with music through another instrument, or a complete beginner.

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Organ Building, Design & History
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PLAYLISTS

Fingers and Feet: A Journey to the Organ Bench

Fingers and Feet: A Journey to the Organ Bench is a tutor book specifically created to support learners starting the organ as their very first instrument. In this playlist you can download the book as a free pdf (or follow the link to purchase a copy) and follow a suite of 34 short films designed to guide learners through their first musical steps.LEARN MORE

First Stops: Meeting the pipe organ

Join Angelina for the Royal College of Organists' First Stops series, as she steps into the world of the organ with renowned organist and YouTube star Richard McVeigh.LEARN MORE

My First Encounter

Enjoy your very first moments at the pipe organ with this series of short films, bringing the Play the Organ Year 'First Encounter' session plans to life.LEARN MORE

Lessons for the new organist

This video series from the American Guild of Organists (AGO) helps pianists transition to the organ with hands-on instruction, featuring diverse worship settings across Michigan and Indiana.LEARN MORE

Repertoire for the new organist

These films are an excellent resource for organists, helping both beginners and experienced players expand their knowledge and repertoire.LEARN MORE

Organ tutorial for pianists

Part one of this two-part series from Tim Topham covers the fundamentals of organ playing from a pianist’s perspective. LEARN MORE

CONTENT

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Fingers and Feet – Chapter 2

These videos support Chapter 2 of Fingers and Feet: A Journey to the Organ Bench – a tutor book specifically created to support learners starting the organ as their very first instrument.LEARN MORE
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Fingers and Feet – Chapter 3

These videos support Chapter 3 of Fingers and Feet: A Journey to the Organ Bench – a tutor book specifically created to support learners starting the organ as their very first instrument.LEARN MORE
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Fingers and Feet – Chapter 4

These videos support Chapter 4 of Fingers and Feet: A Journey to the Organ Bench – a tutor book specifically created to support learners starting the organ as their very first instrument.LEARN MORE
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Fingers and Feet – Chapter 5

These videos support Chapter 5 of Fingers and Feet: A Journey to the Organ Bench – a tutor book specifically created to support learners starting the organ as their very first instrument.LEARN MORE
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Fingers and Feet – Chapter 1

These videos support Chapter 1 of Fingers and Feet: A Journey to the Organ Bench – a tutor book specifically created to support learners starting the organ as their very first instrument.LEARN MORE

Fingers and Feet: A Journey to the Organ Bench

Fingers and Feet: A Journey to the Organ Bench is a new tutor book specifically created to support learners starting the organ as their very first instrument. It is available here as a free download, and also to purchase.LEARN MORE
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First Stops: Meeting the pipe organ

Join Angelina and organist Richard McVeigh in the RCO's First Stops series, as they explore the organ’s complexities, learning how fun and rewarding it is.LEARN MORE
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First Stops: Introducing the keyboards (manuals)

In the second in the Royal College of Organists' First Stops series, Angelina learns from Richard McVeigh how the organ manuals, stops, and swell pedal create dynamic, orchestral-like sounds.LEARN MORE
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First Stops: The pedals

Angelina joins Richard McVeigh to discover the organ pedals, learn their role, practice a simple pattern, get technique tips and enjoy a difficult Bach performance. LEARN MORE
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First Stops: The sounds of the organ

Richard McVeigh demonstrates how the organs powerful sounds, from bold to delicate, come alive through a performer and brings a masterpiece to life.LEARN MORE
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My First Encounter: Film 1

Robin Harrison’s First Encounter series introduces organ fundamentals, from turning it on to navigating manuals, stops, and pedals in the first instalment.LEARN MORE
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My First Encounter: Film 2

In his second First Encounter film, Robin Harrison teaches composing and improvising a short organ piece using sounds, rhythms, and pedals. LEARN MORE
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My First Encounter: Film 3a

Robin Harrison teaches playing “Olé, Olé, Olé” on the organ with hands, pedals, and sounds.LEARN MORE
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My First Encounter: Film 3b

Robin Harrison’s First Encounter film teaches a famous tune on the organ, covering stop selection, hand co-ordination, and basic pedal use.LEARN MORE
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My First Encounter: Film 4

In the final First Encounter film, Robin Harrison shares tips on overcoming coordination challenges, mastering hands and feet, and building confidence.LEARN MORE
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Easy and impressive organ music YOU can play

Richard McVeigh introduces 23 accessible organ pieces perfect for services or improving technique, the challenges of each piece and why you can play them!LEARN MORE
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Organ tutorial for pianists: Part one

A beginner’s guide to playing the organ from a pianist’s perspective. Part one answers your key questions.LEARN MORE
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Organ tutorial for pianists: Part two

Essential organ tips for pianists, covering introductions, chord fills, bass pedal and stop advice, plus tricks for filling bass tone on manuals if you're not confident with pedals.LEARN MORE
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How to play the pipe organ (book one)

Jonathan Scott introduces key techniques for learning the organ, along with multi-camera performances from his How to Play the Pipe Organ (Book One).LEARN MORE
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How to play the pipe organ (book two)

Jonathan Scott covers essential organ techniques and offers multi-camera performances of pieces from How to Play the Pipe Organ (Book Two).LEARN MORE
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Lesson 1: A pianist’s first steps in transitioning to the organ

Considering a move from piano to organ? Let Fred Hohman guide you as you embark on this exciting musical journey.LEARN MORE
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Lesson 2: The architecture and layout of the pipe organ

Join Fred Hohman for the second in his series of films for pianists making the transition to the organ.LEARN MORE
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Lesson 3: Coupling organ divisions

Fred Hohman turns his attention to organ registration and coupling manuals in the third of his series of films for new organists. LEARN MORE
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Lesson 4: Swell pedals and dynamic expression

While the organ’s grandeur is in plain view, Fred Hohman delves into the hidden controls that remain unseen by most and unveils the secrets below the console.LEARN MORE
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Lesson 5: An introduction to pedaling and organ music scores

The series shifts focus to organ music scores for the first time, and Fred Hohman also takes an in-depth look at pedalboards in this short film.LEARN MORE
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Lesson 6: Families of organ tone

Fred Hohman takes previous learnings about organ stops in his previous films to the next level.LEARN MORE
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Lesson 7: Mixture and mutation stops

How do you find a mixture on a pipe organ? Join Fred Hohman in this lesson for new organists as he explains more.LEARN MORE
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Lesson 8: Registrations for contemplative and jubilant hymns

Fred Hohman explores how to balance stops to support a congregation, focusing on the unique needs of different hymns.LEARN MORE
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Lesson 9: General and divisional pistons

Fred Hohman focusses on general and divisional pistons in Lesson 9 of his series for new organists.LEARN MORE
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Lesson 10: The crescendo pedal

Mainly found on American organs, Fred Hohman demonstrates the crescendo pedal and how it works in episode 10 of his 30-part series for new organists.LEARN MORE
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Lesson 11: Does the shoe fit? Organ shoes and bench height

Fred Hohman shares tips on choosing the right organ shoes and maintaining a comfortable playing posture in this short film.LEARN MORE
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Lesson 12: The basics of pedal technique

Fred Hohman explores how new organists can develop a fluid pedal technique in this short but insightful lesson.LEARN MORE
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Lesson 13 DIY: Adding pedals

This episode examines how a new church organist can develop into a confident leader in hymn playing.LEARN MORE
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Lesson 14 DIY: Varying your organ registrations

In this episode, Fred Hohman explains how to vary registrations to give your hymn playing more texture, make it more compelling and support congregational singing.LEARN MORE
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Lesson 15 DIY: Using time and touch to shape melody

Fred Hohman returns to the basics as he highlights why organists should always sing a hymn before attempting to translate it onto the organ.LEARN MORE
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Lesson 16 DIY: Reharmonizing your hymns

Fred Hohman explains how small harmonisation adjustments on the organ can enhance hymn singing in this short film.LEARN MORE
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Lesson 17 DIY: Key modulations: when, why and how

Fred Hohman explores when, why, and how a modulation passage can transform the feel and mood of a piece, shaping the emotional journey of a composition.LEARN MORE

Lesson 18 DIY: Using registrations to illustrate hymn texts

Want to reharmonise a piece of music to better reflect the text painting and emphasise its message? This short film shows you how.LEARN MORE
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Lesson 19: Choosing and using a pedal point

Some hymns are more suited to pedal points than others. In this short film, Fred Hohman demonstrates when and how to use them most effectively.LEARN MORE
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Lesson 20: Creative use of limited pedaling in hymns

Fred Hohman demonstrates how pedal summarisation can change the texture and style of hymn playing, along with other techniques.LEARN MORE
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Lesson 21: An introduction to hymn meter and the metrical index

Explore how hymn structures and syllable patterns create endless possibilities for pairing texts and tunes.LEARN MORE
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Lesson 22: Choosing alternate hymn texts and tunes by examining meter

Learn how to pair hymn texts with alternate tunes using the metrical index for fresh, fitting musical combinations.LEARN MORE
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Lesson 23: Adapting folk and guitar music to the organ

This short film explores how to adapt hymns in a folk style for the organ, with tips on arpeggiation, dynamic textures, and rhythmic clarity.LEARN MORE
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Lesson 24: Bridging gaps during Communion services

The reception of Communion during a Mass can vary in length, but what do you do when you need to extend the music beyond the hymn?LEARN MORE
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Lesson 25: Variety in hymn-playing…regardless of instrument size

This film explores creative ways to bring variety and richness to hymn playing on a two-manual pipe organ.LEARN MORE
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Lesson 26: How to use MIDI functions on organ consoles

Discover how MIDI technology can enhance the traditional pipe organ, allowing organists to blend classic sounds with modern digital tones.LEARN MORE
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Lesson 27: How to be an excellent substitute organist

This film offers practical advice for substitute organists, covering key questions to ask, console etiquette, and adapting to unfamiliar settings.LEARN MORE
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Lesson 28: Getting around on the Hammond organ

Curious about the Hammond organ? Watch Fred Hohman’s short film as he explores the essentials of navigating this iconic instrument!LEARN MORE
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Lesson 29: Determining your pedaling in organ literature

Explore the art of organ pedalling annotation. This short film covers the use of toe and heel symbols, planning for smooth transitions, comfort and expressive phrasing.LEARN MORE
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Anthology

Andrew McCrea takes a brief look at the rich history of organ anthology production in Britain in the last two centuries.LEARN MORE
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Bach

Anna Lapwood discusses three very different but engaging pieces by Bach.LEARN MORE
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Circle of fifths

Simon Williams explains the circle of fifths and shows how it is useful for both keyboard and written harmony.LEARN MORE
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Diapasons

Tom Bell explains how organ builders exploit the archetypal organ pipe, the Diapason.LEARN MORE
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Hammond

Jean Martyn explores how the Hammond Organ creates different styles, from Bossa Nova and Samba to Reggae and A Whiter Shade of Pale.LEARN MORE
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Live looping

Pam Hulme demonstrates how modern electronic music techniques, like live looping, can enhance the organist's toolkit with repetitive musical ideas.LEARN MORE
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Pistons

Anne Marsden Thomas explains the function of organ pistons, how to set them up, and how memory systems and steppers are used on modern organs.LEARN MORE
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Voluntary

Ann Elise Smoot, Director of Oundle for Organists, examines the development of the Organ Voluntary as a new form of organ music during Elizabethan England.LEARN MORE
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10 popular organ pieces on nine amazing organs

Celebrate any occasion, including New Year's Eve, with uplifting organ music! These ten pieces, recorded on some of the UK's finest organs, are featured in BEAUTY IN SOUND.LEARN MORE
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Piano to organ: What do you need to know?

This lesson introduces pianists to the organ, covering its keyboards, stop system, pedalboard, and unique sounds, explaining how the Great, Swell, and Choir organs work.LEARN MORE
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What should an organist play in a church?

This film examines what organists should play in church, emphasising how music can enhance the church community and atmosphere.LEARN MORE