In the spring of 2021, I learned about an organ scholarship program through the local American Guild of Organists from one of my piano students. Since he was young, Adam Baker had wanted to play the organ. His parents wisely told him that he needed to learn the piano and at least be able to play Bach Inventions. He stayed with me and progressed to Preludes and Fugues. When he decided to audition for this program, I contacted them to see if there was room for adults as well and if so, could I audition without hurting Adam’s chances of being chosen. I was encouraged to try out and promised that it would not affect Adam’s chances.
I showed up in Washington D.C. and played a Bach Prelude and Fugue, a Beethoven Sonata, a Romantic piece, and a hymn. I was asked to sight-read a piece. Several months later, both Adam and I received word that we had been chosen for the scholarship and were given information about our teachers. He would study with Carol Feather Martin, Arlington and I would study with Dr. David Kelley in Vienna, VA. At the end of the school year, we would participate in an AGO recital.
My dad is an organist and I grew up with an organ in our home. My dad practiced regularly and he played the organ at church. Sometimes he and my mom would play organ-piano duets. Growing up, I focused on the piano. I wish I had taken advantage of that great instrument in our home, but I’m glad I honed my piano skills.
Organ lessons began in November 2021. The practicing requirement was at least 5 hours a week. I committed to that until my husband asked if I was just going to do the minimum. At that point, I decided to shoot for 10 hours a week. I tracked my practicing every day and kept track of the cumulative hours. When it became evident that I was going to hit 1000 hours and could maybe complete it before my two year mark, I decided to make that my goal which I accomplished on 11/10/23!
During the past two years, I have had the opportunity to play many organs. See the list below and the gallery pictures.
It has been two years of fantastic instruction and progress. I know I still have far to go, but I feel that what I offer my church congregation is much more than I did before. I feel much more confident using the pedals, setting registrations, and programming registrations for a piece. I have learned many pieces and have found a lot of joy in sharing the pieces with friends and family.
In 2022, I certified at the Service Player level with the American Guild of Organists (AGO). In 2023, I completed the certification requirements for Colleague Level with the AGO.
I appreciate very much two grants I received from NVMTA and MTNA to support my efforts as well as the initial scholarship through the local AGO chapter and the service of my teacher during this time. I am so grateful to my teacher, Dr. David Kelley for his patience, expertise, repertoire suggestions, history and theory discussions.
I have enjoyed performing organ pieces for my students at their piano recitals. I think it reinforces that I am still working on gaining new skills. I hope that I’m a positive model for sharing music with others.
I have learned a lot in the past two years—-more than just organ skills—
A teacher’s role in inspiring their students.
Attention to detail and musicality—this has been an inspiritation to me that has spilled over into my piano teaching.
Reinforced lessons on the value of diligent, regular practicing.
Sympathy to students working on a hard section. I have learned a lot of patience. For example, I began learning the Bach Prelude and Fugue in gm BWV 535 in December 2022. I am still working on a couple of sections that are particularly difficult. I’m close to mastering them, but it has definitely been a piece that has required patience and hard work!
I have been intrigued by the learning process and how I can begin a piece barely going at a rate of 50 beats per minute for an 8th note and then gradually being able to process the music faster with my brain, fingers and feet until it’s at a performance level. The process is fascinating.
I have learned some new music skills (related to piano as well as organ): transposition and modulation— and I have gained some great experience with new organ repertoire.
I have learned hymns from other churches and gained an appreciation for the faith of others.
I have met and gained new friends.
I was very pleased that another student, Bradley McMullin was chosen to participate in the scholarship program in 2022-2023 studying with Dr. Ben Kesely. Both he and Adam progressed so much in their studies.
My recordings can be seen on my YouTube Channel.
I plan to continue adding new pieces as I get them to performance level.
Repertoire since about March 2023 (does not include CAGO repertoire except for Minuet Gothique)
Widor Symphony No. 5 Mvt. 4 Adagio https://youtu.be/PixnAs-1QPo
Minuet Gothique https://youtu.be/HcETbhxMY70
A Mighty Fortress Hymn 68 https://youtu.be/SV_Wu-pQpcY
Ein Feste Burg ist Unser Got https://youtu.be/A2gQDLR8ncA
It is Well With My Soul https://youtu.be/38vbTfd6XCo
Buxtehude Prelude, Fugue, and Chaconne https://youtu.be/1f-hIaUq3Jg
Encore: Locklair's Thy Peace May Be Exchanged https://youtu.be/Df59YrAUQPI
My current repertoire projects include the following:
Sweelinck Echo Fantasia (Aeolian)
Bach Prelude and Fugue in Gm BWV 535)
Boyce Voluntary I in DM
Brahms Chorale Op. 122 No. 2
Radetzky March by Straus
Toccata Brevis by Dan Gawthrop.
Gallery guide for organs I have played (some of these are not pictured):
Rome, Italy
Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA
Greek Orthodox Church, Norfolk, VA
Barcelona, Spain
Christ Church, Alexandra, VA
Washington, D.C. Basilica with Clay Christensen
Taylor and Boody Organ factory Staunton, VA
St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, Falls Church, VA
Columbia Baptist Church, Falls Church, VA
St. Michael’s Episcopal Church, Arlington, VA
Faith Luthern Church, Arlington, VA
LDS Stake Center, McLean (Allen)
LDS Arlington Ward (Rogers)
St. Agnes Catholic Church, Arlington, VA
St.George’s Episcopal Church, Arlington, VA
Holy Comforter Episcopal Church, Vienna, VA
St. Mary’s, Arlington, VA
Unitarian Church, Arlington, VA
Mt. Olivet Church, Arlington, VA
First Presbyterian Church, Arlington, VA
Wannamaker organ, Philadelphia, PA
