How to Play a Pipe Organ

Once called the "King of Instruments" by Mozart himself, the pipe organ has a long and rich history. It's a very specialized instrument with relatively few knowledgeable players. As a result, playing or learning how to play can be more difficult than with a more common instrument. However, with determination and a love for the music it is far from impossible.

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Pipe organ

1. Find a teacher. Normally, finding an instructor for a musical instrument isn't a problem but this isn't always the case with the pipe organ. The New York based American Guild of Organists has instructor guides and the "pipe organ encounters" (see Resources) has listings for events and tuition throughout the country.
2. Know the terms. If "flue," "swell" and "tremulant" mean nothing to you then do some homework. Any classes or instruction that you get will make a lot more sense if you are familiar with the terminology that organists use to describe their music and instrument.
3. Understand the mechanics. Not all pipe organs are the same. Design can vary greatly from the number of keyboards to the materials used to construct them. Some organs have pedals, some don't and pipes can be shaped in any number of ways. Understanding the mechanics of your specific instrument can help you understand how to play.
4. Listen and learn. If possible, visit churches and cathedrals to listen to pipe organs being played. Listening to others will teach you many things about the methods and techniques for playing. Many organists will also be happy to talk to you with tips and advice on how to play.
5. Play for people. Many churches are having trouble finding musicians that know how to play. Learning popular hymns will make you more in demand and increase your chances of playing in public.

Tips & Warnings

• Sit upright to allow equal movement of both feet.
• Wear narrow lightweight shoes and keep ankles relaxed.
• Position yourself correctly to touch pedals without hitting your head.
• Pipe organs are very complex and can't be learned as quickly as many other instruments.