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!

Friday, June 29, 2018

2018 BYU Organ Workshop


It's that time again! I've spoken many times on this wonderful workshop. If there's any way you can go, I highly recommend attending. It's a life-changing experience! Visit https://organworkshop.byu.edu/ for more information.




Thursday, June 28, 2018

New Hymnal Announced. Can we get one marked for the organ?

I'm sure most, if not all, of my readers are aware that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has announced that they will be producing a new hymnal and children's songbook. I linked to the article on my facebook page.

The church has asked for input via a survey link.

Many of you are aware that Carol Dean created a trial version of the hymnal, meticulously marked for organ, that she worked on perfecting and tweaking until she passed away earlier this month. I have been tasked with furthering her work. With this announcement, can you think how wonderful it would be if the Church would publish an organ version of the hymnal? I can't believe how many members of the church contact me every week requesting Carol's markings, and most of you found out about it through word of mouth! There appears to be a huge need for a hymnal of this type.

I think a hymnal marked for organ, and a simplified hymnal for organists would be a very much needed addition to the church's publications.

If you agree please fill out the above survey and either under the "general difficulties experienced" or "other feedback" fields, state how difficult it is as a pianist to play the organ without markings, or request a hymnal with organ markings.

If enough survey takers request a version of the hymnal with organ markings, the church might make one available!





Tuesday, June 5, 2018

In Loving Memory of Carol




Dear Readers,

Carol Dean passed from this life into the next this morning. In 2013 Carol said, "I know there are pipe organs in heaven, because I wouldn't be happy there if there weren't."

Play on, dear friend!




Funeral services will be held this Friday, June 8th at the Pioneer 2nd Ward Chapel, 1220 W. 450 N. Provo, UT, with the viewing at 9:30 a.m. and Funeral Service at 11:00.

If you'd like to share your memories of Carol here, I will pass them on to her family.


Edited to add the obituary:

Obituary for Carol Deanne Peine Dean

Carol Deanne Peine Dean, 70, of Provo, Utah, passed away from ovarian cancer June 5. Born November 4, 1947, in Durango, LaPlata County, Colorado, she was the daughter of M. Milton Peine and Mildred Dean Peine. Growing up in a farm town with five brothers Carol learned how to work hard. Carol loved riding horses and even just being around them.

Carol attended schools in Redmesa, CO, Durango, CO, and Brigham Young University, Provo, UT. At BYU in 1970, she earned a Bachelor of Science degree as an Executive Assistant major in the Business Department. In 1998, she received a Master of Music degree in Organ Performance and Pedagogy. Carol taught organ workshops and group and private organ lessons in Utah Valley for thirty years. Carol was a lifelong devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She fulfilled many callings in the church her favorite being the organist for the Pioneer 2nd ward. Carol was a very talented organist. She played for numerous recitals and musical events for many years. Carol had a very special place in her heart for her organ students and peers.

Carol married Dana D. Dean on November 21, 1970, in the Manti LDS Temple in Manti, UT. They had many adventures together traveling for Dana’s career. They were blessed with eight children. Carol is preceded in death by her sweetheart, Dana; her oldest daughter, Randilyn “Randi”; and two brothers Dean Peine of Weiser, ID and Robert Peine of Pleasant Grove, UT. Carol is survived by her son Dallin (Robyn) of Sandy, UT; son Rhett (Lisa) of Lehi, UT; daughter Danae’ of Snoqualmie, WA; son Robert of Draper, UT; daughter McKenna of Provo, UT; daughter Menolli (Brian) Quick of Saratoga Springs, UT; son Jonathon (Taylor) of Las Vegas, NV; and her Indian-placement daughter Tina (Cornell) Benally of Mesa, AZ. She is also survived by her 19 grandchildren.

Carol’s surviving siblings are Russell (Connie) Peine of Leeds, UT; Craig Peine of Prairieville, LA; and Kirk (Sharon) Peine, of Redmesa, CO. and her two sisters-in law, (Marlene Peine) of Weiser, ID and (Melanie Peine) of Pleasant Grove.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, June 8, 2018 at the Provo Central Stake Center, 450 North 1220 West, Provo, Utah. Friends may call from 9:30-10:45 a.m. prior to services. Interment, Provo City Cemetery.