Organ Tuition
The orchestra at your fingertips
The organ is unlike any other instrument, Mozart described it as the “king of instruments”.
With its keyboards, pedals, stops and extraordinary range of sounds, learning to play it opens up an entirely different way of making music.
I offer individual organ tuition for pianists who would like to explore the instrument, develop their existing skills or work towards more advanced playing.
A strong piano foundation first
I generally recommend that pupils have reached approximately Grade 5 standard on the piano before beginning organ lessons.
This isn't because the organ itself is inaccessible to beginners. It is because having competent keyboard skills means we can concentrate on what makes the organ special: it’s pedals, registration, articulation, coordination and extraordinary range of sounds.
In my experience, this makes the whole experience considerably more enjoyable.
What will we learn?
Organ lessons can be tailored to your interests and experience, but may include:
manual and pedal technique
coordination between hands and feet
registration and use of stops
articulation and stylistic playing
hymn playing and accompaniment
organ repertoire
improvisation
sight reading
preparation for services, recitals or examinations
I particularly enjoy helping pianists discover how differently the same piece can feel when approached through the language of the organ.
From piano to organ
Moving from piano to organ is both familiar and completely new.
You already have the fundamental keyboard skills, but the organ asks you to think differently about touch, articulation, phrasing, registration and the relationship between your hands and feet.
My own musical life has centred around the organ since my teenage years, and I now work professionally as an organist alongside my teaching and performing work.
Whether you are simply curious about the instrument or have a particular goal in mind, lessons can be shaped around what you want to achieve.
“Matthew Wright is an amazing organ teacher. He has inspired our son, George to take on organ lessons whilst being his piano teacher and he has continued to fuel George’s passion for the past 5 years. Matthew has encouraged George to play at events from a very young age (including Southwell Minster, Worksop College, Leicester Music Festival) and continues to help George to progress through the ABRSM practical grades. We highly recommend Matthew as an organ and piano teacher.”
— Tatiana Ball
Lessons
60 minutes — £60
Organ tuition is available in South Yorkshire, subject to suitable instrument availability.
If you are unsure whether you are ready to begin organ lessons, get in touch and we can discuss your current piano playing and what you would like to do.