Welcome to Organ Academy 2024!
We are excited to get to know you and share the fun of making organ music with you.
Sign up for your Saturday practice time slot on the Google sheet linked to the button below.
What
The American Guild of Organists – Spokane Chapter presents an opportunity for piano students, ages 10 to 20, to receive instruction in organ playing for only $10 per lesson (total $100). The program engages young musicians and sparks their musical imaginations through experiencing the joy of playing fine music on the King of Instruments.
Where
The program takes place at various regional church locations. It culminates in a public recital on the large instrument at Central Lutheran Church/City Covenant.
When
Saturday, January 27, 9:00 a.m. through a public recital Sunday, April 28, 3:00 p.m.
Details
Text: First Organ Book
First Organ Book, ed. by Wayne Leupold. This book is loaned to students by the American Guild of Organists – Spokane Chapter. At the end of the ten lessons, if students decide to continue studying, the book may be purchased at a reduced price. Otherwise, it is returned to the chapter for use by future students.
Organ Shoes
Organ shoes are advisable, but not required. Plan to wear a light-weight shoe with a smooth sole. Organ shoes are not meant to be worn outside where they can pick up dirt and gravel; the smooth sole facilitates pedal technique and prevents pedalboard damage. A temporary alternative is stocking feet, although shoes provide more support.Organ shoes are basically ballroom “Jazz” shoes. One can find them locally – and actually try them on, which is a good idea – or order online:
- South side – Empire Dance Shop
- North side – Spokane Dance Boutique
- Online – Organmaster Shoes
Women: shoes with wide, normal heels are best. Fancy, shaped, spiked heels will give you problems. Note heels pictured on the Organmaster website.
Lessons & Fee
Each student receives ten lessons from an assigned teacher. Also, students may participate in optional Saturday practice sessions at different churches. Academy fee of $100.00 is payable in advance to American Guild of Organists – Spokane Chapter.
Practice
Students practice at home on piano or keyboard. Personal practice time on an organ can be arranged at a local church. Added value, optional Saturday practice sessions are held throughout the term at different churches. These give students experience on different types of organs, and provide opportunities for students to know each other.
Schedule
All Saturdays except April 28 public recital.
- April 13, 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. – Saturday practice, Messiah Lutheran Church, Spokane
- April 20, 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. – Saturday practice, Central Lutheran Church/City Covenant, Spokane
- April 27, 9:00 a.m. – Saturday rehearsal for Recital, Central Lutheran Church/City Covenant, Spokane
- Sunday, April 28 – 3:00 p.m. – Recital, Central Lutheran Church/City Covenant, Spokane
Important Notes
– Parent/guardian must remain on-site during lessons and practice sessions if student is under 16 years of age.
– Academy fee of $100.00 is payable in advance to American Guild of Organists – Spokane Chapter.
– Registrar: Janet Ahrend, DMA, 39 W. 33rd Ave., Spokane, WA 99203; frostbeige2@gmail.com, (509) 624-5627