Resources for New Organists
Become a better organist
Local and national resources are available to help you improve your skills
Guidance from AGO National Headquarters
The New Organist web page of the American Guild of Organists provides many resources to assist pianists to learn to play the organ! The Committee on the New Organist is dedicated to providing answers to common questions through this web page. Help yourself to these resources (most of them free) for anyone learning about the organ:
- Educational resources page has answers to common questions about the organ
- How to find an organ teacher (SLCAGO)
- Links to a few great organ-related websites that might be interesting to new organists
U of U Organ Degree Program
https://music.utah.edu/students/programs-degrees.php#organ
The School of Music’s organ program prepares students to become skilled performers, well versed in organ history, literature, design, pedagogy, and church music. This is a degree seeking program.
Community Preparatory Division for Organ
https://music.utah.edu/community/preparatory/organ/index.php
Organ 101 and 201 provide small group classes for learning organ. These are perfect for the pianist who wants to learn to play the organ well for church service, but who may not be interested (yet) in pursuing an academic organ degre
BYU Organ Workshop
The BYU Organ Workshop is an intensive four-day program designed for organ skill-building for all organ levels. Enhance your organ-playing skills for your own enjoyment, for church service, or for teaching. Discover and improve your talents and proficiency as you learn valuable techniques and tips from skilled instructors. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced organist, the workshop has much in store for you. Classes with customized instruction and supervised practice are offered for your specific level.
BYU Organ Degree Program
Explore BYU’s full range of organ degree programs and continuing education program for the organ. BYU’s resources include specific instruction suggestions and resources for LDS organists.
Music Department
The Utah State University Music Department provides exciting performance opportunities for music majors, non-majors and community members to participate in music making (choirs, bands, orchestra, indivisual instruction, etc.) and to learn more about music in courses like Golbal Perspectives in Music; History of African-American Music; Fundamentals of Music; Introduction to Music; Masterpieces of Music; and History of Jazz, Rock and Roll: Catalyst for Social Change.