I was sitting next to the organ on the side in my church writing one of the posts for this blog when I noticed a strange noise coming from the inside of the instrument.
It seemed to come from some part of the mechanical action elements from the pedal division.
My student was practicing a fanfare, playing the combination of right hand and pedals together and using a soft flute registration.
Actually she was really good in keeping focus on the precise rhythms and articulation and kept a steady slow tempo.
But what seemed suspicious to me was the energy with which she pounded the pedals.
I asked her to imagine she was playing mezzo piano and went to the side of the organ to listen if the noise from the key action diminished.
It did!
So I guess it really helps to depress the keys (both with fingers and the feet) very gently.
Always remember the loudness on the organ primarily is achieved by adding more stops and not more force.
Take care of your instrument and the instrument will take care of you.