SECRETS OF ORGAN PLAYING - WHEN YOU PRACTICE, MIRACLES HAPPEN
  • START HERE
  • BLOG
  • STORE
  • TOTAL ORGANIST
  • LISTEN
  • ABOUT
  • RECITALS
  • CONTACT
  • LOGIN
  • LT
  • COMPOSITIONS

3 obscure problems with the swell pedal

12/11/2014

Comments

 
Most organs which have swell boxes and swell pedals operate in the similar way. This makes the playing experience for a lot of organists similar. However, when you travel to play an unfamiliar organ, sometimes you get to play an instrument which has swell pedal raising less common or obscure problems. Below are some of these problems and solutions.

1. Pedal is reversed. Some organs have a swell pedal which opens the shutters when we press it with the heel (contrary to the most which opens when we press with the toe).

Here you have to consciously think about this difference from the swell pedal and even mark the opposite motions in the score. Practice the opposite motion ahead of time on your organ.

2. Pedal is too far right. Normally swell pedals are positioned between the D# and F# in the tenor octave. But some organs have the swell pedal which is positioned on the extreme right of the pedal board.

Try to sit on the edge of the bench which will help you reach the swell pedal easier. Lean forward to have a good balance.

3. Pedal is too heavy/too light to operate. With some swell pedals you have to use much force to open it. And the opposite is sometimes true - as soon as you touch it - it might open without you even realizing it.

In both cases you have to consciously think about this feeling ahead of time and make a mental note to use more or less force.

Next time when you play an organ with a swell pedal, try to find out whether these above problems are true and if yes, consider them in your practice or performance. It's best that you find out what kind of swell pedal and how it operates well in advance by asking about it the local organist. Then you can be sure that you will have ample time to adjust and prepare yourself to the new playing experience without too much stress.
Comments

    GET FREE VIDEO PRACTICE GUIDE AND 10 DAY ORGAN PLAYING MINI COURSE:

    * indicates required
    Interest
    Sending frequency
    Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
    Picture
    Picture
    Photo by Edgaras Kurauskas
    Would you like to say "Thank You" to us? Buy Us Coffee.
    Authors
    Drs. Vidas Pinkevicius and Ausra Motuzaite-Pinkeviciene
    Organists of Vilnius University , creators of Secrets of Organ Playing.
    Picture
    Do you have a unique skill or knowledge related to the organ art? Pitch us your story to become a guest on Secrets of Organ Playing Podcast.

    Don't have an organ at home?
    Download paper manuals and pedals, print them out, cut the white spaces, tape the sheets together and you'll be ready to practice anywhere where is a desk and floor. Make sure you have a higher chair.

    Archives

    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013
    March 2013
    February 2013
    January 2013
    December 2012
    November 2012
    October 2012
    September 2012
    August 2012
    July 2012
    June 2012
    May 2012
    April 2012
    March 2012
    February 2012
    January 2012
    December 2011

    RSS Feed

Copyright  © 2011-2019 by Vidas Pinkevicius and Ausra Motuzaite-Pinkeviciene.
Vidas' blog on Steemit
​Ausra's blog on Steemit
​Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
  • START HERE
  • BLOG
  • STORE
  • TOTAL ORGANIST
  • LISTEN
  • ABOUT
  • RECITALS
  • CONTACT
  • LOGIN
  • LT
  • COMPOSITIONS