Welcome to The Latter-day Saint Organist's Resource Blog

The purpose of this blog is to help pianists learn to become true organists. Many individuals believe that if you play the piano you can play the organ, but the instruments differ greatly. While this blog is specifically geared towards members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, much of the information shared can be utilized by all. I hope that the information I share here will help you become an effective organist in your ward, stake, or other congregation.

Feel free to browse and search this blog. It was started in January 2010 and while new posts aren't added very often, this blog contains a wealth of information and is a wonderful resource for all organists. If you're a new reader, you can find the first lesson here: Before We Begin: Acquiring the Essentials. Also, please "like" the corresponding facebook page, which is updated more often. A link is provided on the right sidebar, or you can click here.

Thanks for visiting!

Sunday, February 26, 2012

Sunday Song: Holy, Holy, Holy!

Holy, Holy, Holy! (Nicaea), arranged by Jason D. Payne and performed on the 62 rank Reuter/A.E. Schlueter Organ of Briarlake Baptist Church, Decatur, Georgia.

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Organ lights

I have an older organ in my home, which is wonderful, as it makes practicing with six kids a possibility. Unfortunately, this organ does not have any type of light for my music. I've wanted an organ light for some time, but they are very pricey. Most cost upwards of $100, and many cost over $400. I needed a much less expensive solution.

One day last year, while browsing Ikea's website, I found their picture lighting. When I saw the LED RIBBA lighting picture, I thought that it looked a lot like the organ lights I've seen online. All it needs is a base:

The best part about it was the price: $24.99.

The catch: these lights are only available at Ikea and cannot be ordered online. As there's an Ikea near me, my children gave this light to me for Christmas! I had hoped it would clip onto my organ, but it didn't work--it needed to be taller. My husband promised me a stand, but he's been really busy. Finally, last night I just clipped it to an extra board I had in my garage and propped it up on my organ.

I love it! The light it gives off is a very warm light, and it's very lightweight so I'm not worried about it falling on me, despite the archaic way I'm currently using it. All of a sudden I can really see my music, and it's wonderful!

If you don't have an Ikea near you and you need an organ light, I encourage you to check different stores. I know I've seen a similar desk light at my local Target for about $40. There are also a number of LED picture lights online starting at $20.

If you've been looking for an organ light but couldn't justify the cost, and are a little handy or creative when it comes to mounting them, maybe this will help you. I can't wait to practice under my new light today!

Sunday, February 19, 2012

Sunday Song: Toccata in B minor

Sean Jackson plays Eugène Gigout's Toccata in B minor on the organ at St. John's Episcopal Church, Stamford Connecticut.

Sunday, February 12, 2012

Sunday Song: Andante Allegro

Bob Swift plays his solo organ transcription of the "Andante Allegro" movement from Handel's Organ Concerto #6 in B Flat (Opus #4, HWV#294). Instrument: 1985 37-rank, 2,444-pipe Moeller)

Sunday, February 5, 2012

Sunday Song: Bird Songs at Eventide

Bird Songs at Eventide, played by Horace Finch at the Wurlitzer theatre organ of the Empress Ballroom, Blackpool Winter Gardens.