Let’s Begin: Guiding Pianists on their First Steps at the Organ

St. Matthew’s United Church (1479 Barrington St.)

In the not-too-distant past it was common for new organists to begin their transfer from the piano by following a comprehensive tutor book such as Harold Gleason’s Method of Organ Playing (1937, 8th Edition 1995) or Flor Peeters’ Ars Organ (1954). These volumes are still very valuable – if you can get your hands on a copy without breaking the bank – but are they still the best route forwards? Nowadays, a wealth of materials is available for the beginning organist for viewing and download online, including pdf scores, instructional videos, and recorded performances. Despite easy access to these resources, a significant challenge faces teachers in tracing a graded path through them: not all online content is created equal.  Focussing on the very first two or three organ lessons with those transferring from a piano background, workshop leader and experienced teacher Neil Cockburn gives an overview of a selection of printed and online study materials, pointing out some gems while suggesting ways to avoid pitfalls.

This session is suitable for current organ teachers, those who are considering taking organ students, and also those who are interested in taking their first lessons. St. Matthew’s United Church is an inclusive faith community and a wheelchair accessible space.

Neil Cockburn PhD, FRCO is Director of Chapel Music at the University of King’s College, Halifax. From 1997-2000 he was an Organ Tutor at the St. Giles International Organ School in London, UK; from 2000-2015 he was Head of Organ Studies at Mount Royal Conservatory in Calgary; and from 2001-2022 he was Instructor of Organ at the University of Calgary. He has directed three Pipe Organ Encounters (AGO/RCCO) for beginning organists, and has taught on many organ summer courses, including the RSCM/St Giles Summer Organ Course (London, UK), Oundle International Organ School (UK), and Mount Royal Conservatory’s International Summer School, alongside Artistic Director Simon Preston. He was awarded the Percy Whitlock Prize for his success in the Organ Teaching Diploma of the Royal College of Organists (UK), and his teaching at Mount Royal Conservatory was recognized with the Distinguished Teaching Award in 2014.