Welcome!
Welcome to the New Organist page of our website. The Committee on the New Organist provides this page as a resource to all who might be new to the organ, no matter age or experience. Enjoy perusing some of these offerings:
- These Educational videos answer common questions about the organ and serve, in general, as a great starting place for new organists.
- This 30-minute Orgelkids Kit Demonstration and Concert was presented by Vincent Ryan at Indiana University of Pennsylvania.
- The Young Person’s Guide to the Pipe Organ is all about the pipe organ—how it came to be, all its parts, and how everything works together. Drawings and sound examples are featured.
- Educational Resources offers a more comprehensive hub for all sorts of educational materials related to the organ.
- An online community of organists who share their experience and answer questions. You can also find more content under the hashtags #organist and #organ on social media.
- Our American Guild of Organists Young Organists (AGOYO) programs are designed for organists under thirty.
- The new Achievement Awards program is a great way to put a feather in your cap and learn some basic organ-playing skills.
A knowledgeable, enthusiastic community of organists and many more resources are available to you as an AGO member. Your local region and chapter of the AGO provides friendship, educational opportunities, concerts, scholarships, and much more. If you think you’d like to join and you want to talk with a someone about it, or if you have questions or need resources beyond what you find here, contact AGO National Headquarters at info@agohq.org or 212-870-2310. Tell us your name, city, and contact information, and we’ll get an AGO member from your local area in touch with you.
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How to find an organ teacher
There is no substitute for a knowledgeable, caring organ teacher helping you toward your goals. Ask for a qualified organ teacher as most piano teachers have little or no formal training on organ. You are looking for someone who has a degree or certificate in organ or equivalent. Here are some ideas for finding the right one for you:
- Contact the nearest chapter of the American Guild of Organists.
- Ask a trusted and knowledgeable friend or church musician for a recommendation.
- Contact local churches or colleges.
- You may also consult our Find an Organ Teacher webpage, which draws together all of the chapters that have lists of organ teachers.
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Become part of our online community
- The AGO Official Facebook page is the best place to go for current updates on all things related to the Guild. The page also fosters a thriving community of musicians who share their knowledge and inspire passion for the organ.
- Additionally, the AGO Community Facebook group is a great place to engage with other organists and see what is happening in the lives of organists and church musicians, and maybe post something yourself!
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Participate in an event designed for new organists
- Pipe Organ Encounter—These are several-day summer events for young organists, young advanced organists, adult organists new to/or returning to playing the organ, and older teens and young adults interested in building and maintaining pipe organs.
- Pedals, Pipes & Pizza
- OrgelKids
- January Jubilee—Single-day events for new organists.
- Conventions—Conventions are great ways to meet other organists and to hear the organ at its best. The next national convention takes place in Seattle, July 3–7, 2022. Regional conventions are planned for summer 2023.
- Consult the websites of AGO chapters near you for upcoming events.
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Browse the web and experience the organ