Here’s what I wish organ students did all the time in the early years of learning: Book an hour – just one hour – at as many local churches as will have them, and register complicated music as fast as they can.
A funny thing happened the other Sunday. I was on vacation with my family, and we went to church (no, not the one where I work!). I decided to wear a long skirt, and my toddler was like, “What are you wearing, Mama?????” Lol. Seriously though, I basically never wear long skirts, so of course …
Time for some organ music! Here are the two Lenten preludes I love the most. Both are based on hymn tunes, and both work on small organs. But one is easy peasy, and one has my highschool-self’s favorite thing: double pedal!
You know how sometimes an organist finishes a piece, then you hear the tiniest smear of sound? They’re catching a note or two as they reach for the cancel button. Maybe you don’t have that problem (maybe you just forget to press the cancel button altogether!). But it was a problem for me until last …
They Didn’t Teach Me THAT in Music School: Reaching for the Cancel Button Read More »
Do you want to learn new postlude music that you will enjoy and your congregation will love? Here’s my list of the best organ postludes, based on almost 20 years as a church musician. These pieces are: 2-5 minutes long faster/louder rather than softer/slower in the sweet spot between very difficult and too simple (and …
Here’s what I want in an organ postlude: 3-4 minutes long faster/louder rather than softer/slower in the sweet spot between very difficult and too simple Maurice Duruflé’s Fugue sur le carillon des heures de la Cathédrale de Soissons (Op. 12) hits all those elements for me. I’ve played it dozens of times, especially in the …
I learned Dan Locklair’s “The Peace May Be Exchanged” (from Rubrics) almost fifteen years ago. Little did I know, but this beautiful, tricky piece would become my single-most-played piece ever. At first glance, you wouldn’t think this would be the piece I come back to over and over. It’s quiet. And it’s challenging, with double pedal …
What are artists-in-residence and how can they benefit churches and musicians? Learn from concert organist Chelsea Chen about artist residencies and visioning for concert series. Chelsea Chen has held Artist-in-Residence positions at Emmanuel Presbyterian Church in Manhattan and Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church in Fr. Lauderdale, FL). She draws on her experiences there as well as in …
This is the seventh post in the series How to Successfully Apply to Church Music Jobs. This series is based on my survey of over 250 church musicians and hiring committee members, conversations with my colleagues, and my experience in almost 20 years of church music ministry. Congratulations on your job offer! Now you need …
How to Negotiate Salary and Benefits for a Church Music Job (And Why You Should) Read More »
You’ve applied for a church music jobs and been invited to interview audition in-person. Here are the interview questions to ask for a church music job plus the most likely questions the committee will ask you, and strategies on responding to personal questions and questions about conflict.