We are excited to present to you the BYU Organ Online Training Sessions – a monthly offering of nine different topics of interest to early-level church organists, including those serving in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. All events are free of charge and available to pianists and organists in any location! Each month will include a 2-part series: a live presentation on the given topic, and a live masterclass that follows up on the topic discussed in the presentation. The presentation will take place on the first Thursday of each month, followed by the mid-monthly masterclass (reinforcing the same topic) on the third Thursday of the month, both from 7-9 pm Mountain Time. Enroll for the sessions of interest by hovering over each topic and clicking the “Register” button. Recordings of each class will be available to view following the live presentation throughout the month in which it is presented.

    We hope to see you at many, if not all the training sessions!

    Monthly Presentation

    • First Thursday of the month from 7-9 pm Mountain Time
    • One 2-hour class on a specific topic
    • Class includes live instruction, chat, Q&A, and more!
    • Recording will be available through the end of the month

    Mid-Monthly Masterclass

    • Third Thursday of the month from 7-9 pm Mountain Time
    • Followup and reinforce topic from monthly training session
    • Record and submit musical selection for feedback and review
    • Recording will be available through the end of the month

    The Organ Console

    Dr. Don Cook

    Presentation
    November 5, 2020 | 7-9 pm
    Masterclass
    November 19, 2020 | 7-9 pm

    This session is an introduction to the organ console, including the divisions of the organ and console devices such as thumb pistons and toe studs, expression and crescendo pedals, and other registrational aids. Consider being seated near an organ to make the most of your learning experience.

    Pitches & Families of Organ Tone

    Nora Hess

    Presentation
    December 3, 2020 | 7-9 pm
    Masterclass
    December 17, 2020 | 7-9 pm

    This session will explain both the names and numbers that appear on organ stops including the four families of organ tone (principal, flute, string, and reed) along with numbers/numerals (pitch designations) and what they mean.

    Basic Hymn Registration

    Sheri Peterson

    Presentation
    January 7, 2021| 7-9 pm
    Masterclass
    January 21, 2021 | 7-9 pm

    This session will focus on basic and effective hymn registration (chorus registration - when both hands are playing on a single keyboard).

    Solo & Accompaniment Registration

    Dr. Neil Harmon

    Presentation
    February 4, 2021 | 7-9 pm
    Masterclass
    February 18, 2021 | 7-9 pm

    Various types of solo stops and combinations are explored, along with ways to create balanced accompaniment combinations.

    Basic Pedal Technique

    Sharee Thompson

    Presentation
    March 4, 2021 | 7-9 pm
    Masterclass
    March 18, 2021 | 7-9 pm

    This session establishes the most important foundations of a good legato pedal technique.

    Legato Fingering Techniques

    Joseph Peeples

    Presentation
    April 1, 2021 | 7-9 pm
    Masterclass
    April 15, 2021 | 7-9 pm

    This session will introduce fingering techniques to achieve beautiful legato musical lines without the use of a sustaining pedal (something not found on an organ).

    Hymn Playing Basics

    Jacob Hofeling

    Presentation
    May 6, 2021 | 7-9 pm
    Masterclass
    May 20, 2021 | 7-9 pm

    This session introduces hymn playing in the sustained legato style, and achieving independence of line. Concepts discussed will include: evaluating the text, dealing with the repeated notes, common tone rule, when to play legato and when to play detached.

    Figuring Out Pedaling for Hymns

    Kymberly Payne

    Presentation
    June 3, 2021 | 7-9 pm
    Masterclass
    June 17, 2021 | 7-9 pm

    This session will prepare you to apply basic pedal techniques in choosing effective pedaling in hymn playing.
    Register Now!

    Refining Hymn Playing

    Valerie Harris

    Presentation
    July 1, 2021 | 7-9 pm
    Masterclass
    July 15, 2021 | 7-9 pm

    This session deals with refining your skills and musical sensitivities in order to accompany a congregation with creative hymn playing techniques and an awareness of textual and musical phrases.
    Register Now!