Sinopsis
Secrets of Organ Playing Podcast and #AskVidasAndAusra.Conversations about all things organ playing. Vidas Pinkevicius and Ausra Motuzaite-Pinkeviciene talk with experts from the organ world - concert and church organists, improvisers, educators, composers, organ builders, musicologists and other people who help shape the future of our profession.
Episodios
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SOPP721: Since I have some problems with my eyesight and was looking for a somewhat large written edition of Bach organ music
19/03/2025 Duración: 14minLet’s start episode 721 of Secrets of Organ Playing Podcast. This question was sent by Massimiliano and he writes:Hello Vidas,How are you?Since I have some problems with my eyesight and was looking for a somewhat large written edition. I wanted to ask you please what editions you use for Bach's music. In your videos I can't understand it well. I also wanted to ask you if you know a good manual for organ improvisation in style or if you can recommend something for study.Massimiliano
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SOPP720: Could you advise me on how to play on a one manual organ?
12/03/2025 Duración: 12minLet’s start episode 720 of Secrets of Organ Playing Podcast. This question was sent by Maureen, and she writes:Dear Vidas,Could you advise me on how to play on a 1 manual organ? There are no foot pedals and no volume pedal.This organ was built for a side chapel in the Liverpool Anglican Cathedral.There are eight draw stops 1x16’; 2 x8’; 2x 4’; and 2 x 2’ and stop which on its own sounds out of place.I only had time to play through 10 carols and rescue a service.I am most grateful.Thank you,MaureenYou can support this channel by becoming a member here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCO4K3_6QVJI_HlI5PCFQqtg/joinIf you like what I do, you can buy me some coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/organduoPayPal: https://PayPal.Me/VPinkeviciusWe support Ukraine: https://www.blue-yellow.lt/enMy Hauptwerk setup: https://www.organduo.lt/tools.htmlTotal Organist - the most comprehensive organ training program online: https://www.organduo.lt/total-organistSecrets of Organ Playing - When You Practice, Miracles Happen! http
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SOPP 719: My dream at the moment (as on beginner level) is to coordinate the pedal playing
27/02/2025 Duración: 15minWelcome to episode 719 of Secrets of Organ Playing Podcast. This question was sent by Kurt and he writes:Dear Vidas,Thanks for Your newsletter and the advice and remarks for technical topics such as registration and daily exercises.My dream at the moment (as on beginner level) is to coordinate the pedal playing - it causes me so much power (and pain?) to get the brain (and hands and feet) in the right moment on the correct key on the manual(s) and or the pedal. It seems this will be a long way to go and get the body "divorced" for the time playing the organ.What holds me back?First, my own impatience, trying to proceed quicker than needed or expected from my teacher.Second, to leave the flat walking to the (cold) church for practicing....Third is, to not have enough funds to buy an organ for at home (and the space to install it here in my flat).So I hope You can follow my thoughts about organ playing and are of help for Your new coaching program.Wish You a great further day.Best regards from Germany
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SOPP718: My stretch goal is to be a church organist
19/02/2025 Duración: 14minWelcome to episode 718 of Secrets of Organ Playing Podcast. This question was sent by Carl and she writes:"Hallo Vidas! My stretch goal is to be a church organist. I can't really play the piano right now, I have to learn that. I have no access to an organ. I am stretched for time. I guess this is pretty vanilla feedback. But that's pretty much it."You can support this channel by becoming a member here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCO4K3_6QVJI_HlI5PCFQqtg/joinIf you like what I do, you can buy me some coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/organduoPayPal: https://PayPal.Me/VPinkeviciusWe support Ukraine: https://www.blue-yellow.lt/enMy Hauptwerk setup: https://www.organduo.lt/tools.htmlTotal Organist - the most comprehensive organ training program online: https://www.organduo.lt/total-organistSecrets of Organ Playing - When You Practice, Miracles Happen! https://organduo.ltListen to my organ playing on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0ckKPIvTWucoN3CZwGodCO?si=YWy7_0HqRvaZwBcovL-#se
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SOPP717: How to Accompany Plainsong Chant on the Organ
12/02/2025 Duración: 19minWelcome to episode 717 of Secrets of Organ Playing Podcast. This question was sent by Pamela and she writes:"I would be interested in tips on how to accompany plainsong chant. I know that many people do not like or approve of chant accompaniments but many USA churches use them. The organist often has to invent on the spot."You can support this channel by becoming a member here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCO4K3_6QVJI_HlI5PCFQqtg/joinIf you like what I do, you can buy me some coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/organduoPayPal: https://PayPal.Me/VPinkeviciusWe support Ukraine: https://www.blue-yellow.lt/enMy Hauptwerk setup: https://www.organduo.lt/tools.htmlTotal Organist - the most comprehensive organ training program online: https://www.organduo.lt/total-organistSecrets of Organ Playing - When You Practice, Miracles Happen! https://organduo.ltListen to my organ playing on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0ckKPIvTWucoN3CZwGodCO?si=YWy7_0HqRvaZwBcovL-#secretsoforganplayingpodcast #vidas
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SOPP716: I want to increase my play from memory ability
05/02/2025 Duración: 15minLet’s start episode 716 of Secrets of Organ Playing Podcast. This question was sent by Ray, and he writes:“Hey VidasThanks for your tips. Here are my goals:- to increase my play from memory ability (given the fact that l am 71) and to perform two major piecesChallenges:- time is a challenge- correct fingering (still fumbling at times)- improve my pedal skillThanks again for your tips!RegardsRay” You can support this channel by becoming a member here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCO4K3_6QVJI_HlI5PCFQqtg/join If you like what I do, you can buy me some coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/organduo PayPal: https://PayPal.Me/VPinkevicius We support Ukraine: https://www.blue-yellow.lt/en My Hauptwerk setup: https://www.organduo.lt/tools.html Total Organist - the most comprehensive organ training program online: https://www.organduo.lt/total-organist Secrets of Organ Playing - When You Practice, Miracles Happen! https://organduo.lt Listen to my organ playing on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0ck
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SOPP 715: I'd like to play more complex pieces such as Bach D minor "Dorian" toccata and fugue fluently
29/01/2025 Duración: 12minLet’s start episode 715 of Secrets of Organ Playing Podcast. This question was sent by Ben, and he writes:1. Goal: To play more complex pieces such as Bach D minor "Dorian" toccata and fugue fluently2. Obstacle: Advanced age (76) although I did study organ at ages 15-17 and violin from age 9 and have a good knowledge of music theory.Fortunately now being semi-retired I have time to practice, so help to get back to where I was as a teenager and advance beyond that will be useful. Thanks! You can support this channel by becoming a member here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCO4K3_6QVJI_HlI5PCFQqtg/join If you like what I do, you can buy me some coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/organduo PayPal: https://PayPal.Me/VPinkevicius We support Ukraine: https://www.blue-yellow.lt/en My Hauptwerk setup: https://www.organduo.lt/tools.html Total Organist - the most comprehensive organ training program online: https://www.organduo.lt/total-organist Secrets of Organ Playing - When You Practice, Miracle
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SOPP714: When I first write fingerings in the score, partly it doesn't work anymore, when I play the piece faster
22/01/2025 Duración: 13minLet’s start episode 714 of Secrets of Organ Playing podcast. This question was sent by Kathrin, and she writes: “When I first write fingerings in the score, partly it doesn't work anymore, when I play the piece faster. In some pieces it is necessary to play one or two or more notes in the first line in the left hand or vice versa. So both hands have to work together. I can only write fingerings for both hands together. How to study pieces with chords like in the French romantic for instance and with more than one note in every hand?Kind regards,Kathrin” You can support this channel by becoming a member here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCO4K3_6QVJI_HlI5PCFQqtg/join If you like what I do, you can buy me some coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/organduo PayPal: https://PayPal.Me/VPinkevicius We support Ukraine: https://www.blue-yellow.lt/en My Hauptwerk setup: https://www.organduo.lt/tools.html Total Organist - the most comprehensive organ training program online: https://www.organduo.lt/total-organis
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SOPP 713: I'm trying to think when, if ever, someone would want to use a 16' stop when playing on the manuals
13/01/2025 Duración: 14minThis question was sent by Jim, and he writes:I'm trying to think when, if ever, someone would want to use a 16' stop when playing on the manuals. It seems that practice would give a very thick and muddy sound to the part written for the manuals. Can you give an instance or example of when it would be appropriate to use a 16' stop for the manuals, or one of the manuals, please? I am just having trouble imagining what type of sound that would be. Thank you very much. ~Jim This podcast is supported by Total Organist (https://www.organduo.lt/total-organist.html) - the most comprehensive organ training program online. It has hundreds of courses, coaching and practice materials for every area of organ playing, thousands of instructional videos and PDF's. You will NOT find more value anywhere else online... Total Organist helps you to master any piece, perfect your technique, develop your sight-reading skills, improvise or compose your own music and much much more… Sign up and begin your training today at organd
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SOPP712: How to accompany the choir for the choral anthem from a piano score at the organ
06/01/2025 Duración: 13minLet’s start episode 712 of Secrets of Organ Playing Podcast. This question was sent by Jim, and he writes:“There is a topic that I, and probably every other church organist on here, would like for you to cover. And that is how to accompany the choir for the choral anthem from a piano score at the organ.It is a nightmare. Usually if there is a piano available, I will move to the piano to accompany the choral anthem at the piano, and I think the congregation and the choir and the Choir Director seem to prefer it. I know I prefer doing that, but sometimes there is no piano available.Thank you.A fan.Jim” This podcast is supported by Total Organist - the most comprehensive organ training program online. It has hundreds of courses, coaching and practice materials for every area of organ playing, thousands of instructional videos and PDF's. You will NOT find more value anywhere else online... Total Organist helps you to master any piece, perfect your technique, develop your sight-reading skills, improvise or compose
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SOPP711: Do you have materials and videos on creating last stanza reharmonization for organ?
29/12/2024 Duración: 15minLet’s start episode 711 of Secrets of Organ Playing Podcast. This question was sent by Spencer, and he writes:Hello Sir, Please do you have materials and videos on creating last stanza reharmonization for organ accompanying a choir singing unison with or without descant? This podcast is supported by Total Organist - the most comprehensive organ training program online.A: It has hundreds of courses, coaching and practice materials for every area of organ playing, thousands of instructional videos and PDF's. You will NOT find more value anywhere else online...V: Total Organist helps you to master any piece, perfect your technique, develop your sight-reading skills, and improvise or compose your own music and much much more…A: Sign up and begin your training today at organduo.lt and click on Total Organist. And of course, you will get the 1st month free too. You can cancel anytime.V: If you like our organ music, you can also support us on Buy Me a Coffee platform:A: Find out more at https://buymeacoffee.com/org
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SOPP710: Currently my goal is to become a reasonably competent and confident organ player in the small local church and the local church community
22/12/2024 Duración: 12minThis question was sent by Susanna, and she writes:“Vidas,Currently my goal is to become a reasonably competent and confident organ player in the small local church and the local church community.I like your idea of a “course” - a guide to how/ what to study to achieve this - I don’t want to take exams - but with an exam course there is a syllabus to follow.Currently incorporating the pedals into my hymn playing and getting more confident with this seems a place to concentrate on.Lack of self belief holds me back.I am in my mid 60s- structured learning seems to be directed at young people.I have no musical background - learning about basic harmony seems quite inaccessible. I have tried some book learning related to music theory but I am not sure if I am on the right track.My sight reading skills are ok - but not memorizing - and I would like to have “Happy Birthday” and “God Save the King” at my fingertips - I think this is a skill a church organist might have.Best wishesSusanna” This podcast is supported by
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SOPP709: I have been working on playing foot pedals for a few weeks
11/12/2024 Duración: 15minLet’s start episode 709 of Secrets of Organ Playing Podcast. This question was sent by Thinh, and Thinh writesHello Vidas,Just let you know that I'm new to the organ. However, I had 3+ years studying classical piano when I was young. I have been working on playing foot pedals for a few weeks (first lesson of Pedal Virtuoso Master Course and not sure if it is too hard for me). ...still have some difficulty coordinating playing both hands and both feet. However, I started making some progress by following your instructions of separating practice (right hand, left hand, right+left, right+pedal and left+pedal - I pay more attention on left hand and pedal). I also work on the easy pieces such as Lemmens Methode. You can support this channel by becoming a member here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCO4K3_6QVJI_HlI5PCFQqtg/join If you like what I do, you can buy me some coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/organduo PayPal: https://PayPal.Me/VPinkevicius We support Ukraine: https://www.blue-yellow.lt/en My Hau
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SOPP707: I started with a piece which was marked to be played articulated legato, and I had no idea what it was about
26/11/2024 Duración: 13minLet’s start episode 707 of Secrets of Organ Playing Podcast. This question was sent by Fanie. And she writes: Dear Vidas, I am an adult beginner, so I have different needs.1. What is your dream for organ playing? To play chorales in the church and play music which I love, like Bach, Buxtehude, Bohm, Franck, Mendelssohn, Guilmant, Vierne, Widor etc.2. What are 3 most important things that are holding you back from realizing your dream? I am not sure. Sometimes I am unsure if I actually get something right. Most recently, I started with a piece which was marked to be played articulated legato, and I had no idea what it was about. Eventually I got the info on your site.As of tomorrow, I will start with lessons, so it should be a bit easier.Regards, Fanie
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SOPP708: I’ve started to approach my organ pieces like my scales, ‘from memory’ and I’m definitely making progress
13/03/2024 Duración: 15minLet’s start episode 708 of Secrets of Organ Playing Podcast. This question was sent by Dawn, and she writes:“Hi Vidas,I’m finding your advice very helpful. I’ve started to approach my pieces like my scales, ‘from memory’ and I’m definitely making progress. I’m recognising finger patterns are better too, which I normally don’t. So thank you for your advice on memorisation.In answer to your questions:My dream is to play competently and confidently. Perhaps in the future to reach Grade 8 standard if I’m ever good enough.The 3 things holding me back:1. Poor fingering.2. Poor rhythm.3. Slow speed.Thanks again for your advice and support. It’s much appreciated.Dawn”
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SOPP706: About our summer organ trips to Poland, Denmark, Ukraine and Latvia
30/08/2023 Duración: 46minLet's start episode 706 of Secrets of Organ Playing Podcast. Today we decided to discuss a little bit about our last summer organ trips. So we hope you will enjoy our conversation about all the recitals that we played in various countries.
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SOPP705: I'd like to be able to accompany any song without losing the mood of the song
10/05/2023 Duración: 16minThis question was sent by Matthew, and he writes:“Hello Vidas & Ausra,Thank you for all that you are doing to encourage and coach organists!1. What is your dream for organ playing?Be able to accompany any song without losing the mood of the song. Rich bass and appropriate chords.2. What are 3 most important things that are holding you back from realizing your dream?a. Fingeringb. Unable to play soprano and alto in the right hand simultaneously (bass and tenor in the left hand simultaneously)c. Knowledge of chordsBest regards,Mathew”
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SOPP704: Which of your studies do you recommend for learning repertoire within a short period of time?
03/05/2023 Duración: 14minThis question was sent by Leo, and he writes:Good morning, Which of your studies do you recommend for learning repertoire within a short period of time?Thanks, Leo
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SOPP703: I want to become the best organist that I can be. Things holding me back are playing anxiety, physical stamina, and lack of concentration.
08/03/2023 Duración: 12minThis question was sent by Pamela, and she has a dream to be the best organist that she can be. And holding her back is playing anxiety, physical stamina, and lack of concentration.
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SOPP702: Are there any secrets or nuggets of wisdom as it pertains to learning difficult pieces quickly?
01/03/2023 Duración: 08minThis question was sent by Leo, and he writes Good evening, Thanks so much for the fine work that you and your staff render. I am currently moving into a new position as organist for the Second Presbyterian Church here in Memphis. I am ecstatic about this amazing opportunity. Are there any secrets or nuggets of wisdom as it pertains to learning difficult pieces quickly. Please advise or share what to purchase on your website. Thank you Leo