Without the sound

Some people can't practice organ at home - they have to go to church to access the instrument. And that's not always as convenient as it might seem because you have to be in nobody's way.

Here's what David writes:

"Thank you for your excellent videos and emails - they have really helped me improve my playing and given me more confidence.

I practice on the organ as often as I can, but unfortunately that is not every day as I work full time and the church building is often in use in the evenings for other things, so even if there is access to the organ, I cannot play it or there would be complaints about the sound!

I regularly play for Sunday services, weddings and funerals.  Since I have subscribed to your emails and watched your videos, I have had many more compliments than I did before.

Thanks again for sharing your wisdom and experience."

If you are in a situation like David, you can also try playing the organ without the stops on - silently - hearing the music in your head. This way you can save much time and use it when YOU want, not only when the church is empty. I do it all the time at St. John's because there are always throngs of local and international tourists visiting the city, Vilnius University, and this church. Sometimes people connected with the University are laid out in the chapel which makes loud playing also impossible.

I can't say that it's a worse practice without the sound. No, simply you have to get used to listen with your mind. That's why ear training comes in handy too for organists.

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​Ausra's Harmony Exercise:

Do you have a question about harmony for Ausra? You can reach her by email.

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