Methods & Instruction Books

NEW! This guide to creative hymn-playing by internationally known organist and composer Michael Burkhardt will inspire great hymn interpretation and accompanying.

NEW! Intended to be an introduction to improvisation in the late Baroque style, this two-volume publication is meant to introduce the student to the basic harmonic vocabulary of the Baroque period.

Finding a personal language for Organ Improvisation through 20th-century French improvisation techniques.

NEW! This new instruction book from Jeffrey Brillhart explores the art of improvisation referencing the styles of Tournemire, Vierne, Messiaen, Cochereau, Debussy, and Ravel. An intriguing read for all levels of performers- whether you are a seasoned performer or are just beginning to uncover the discipline of improvisation you are sure to find this book helpful!

For a First Encounter with the Organ! Revised and enlarged, now with 192 pages. Concise and entirely accessible, this excellent book presents an introduction to the organ, a beginning organ method, and a collection of easy organ music. Designed as a primary teaching resource for the AGO Pipe Organ Encounters, the compositions enable the keyboardist with minimal technique to sound well immediately, after three years of traditional piano study. 192 pages, softbound,

Scholarly and user-friendly, this method has much to offer the beginner and the experienced professional.

The classic method book from the late head of the organ department at Eastman, this eighth edition contains revisions in the Graded Course in Organ Playing. Includes a sections on service playing (with easier music suitable for the church service), on manual and pedal technique, performance practice, the organ and appropriate registration, and a wealth of repertoire for manuals alone, and for manuals and pedal. Edited by Catharine Crozier Gleason.

NEW! A useful guide to harmonizing and improvising. Includes basic theory while gradually moving toward improvising in all keys; major, minor, and even church modes! Published by Boeijenga Music Publications.

The first of two volumes of Marcel Dupré's treatise on improvisation, as originally published by Editions Leduc. Translated into English by Alain Hobbs. Includes 12 lessons to lay the foundation for improvising. 62 pages, paperback.

The second volume in the Master Improvisateur and Pedagogue's treatise on organ improvisation. Originally published in 1925 by Alphonse Leduc Editions. Translated into English by John Fenstermaker. 148 pages, paperback.

Jelani begins a series of theatre organ arrangements!

NOW A SECOND VOLUME! The Art of Theatre Organ Arranging, Volume Two by Jelani Eddington contains further instruction and five new arrangements.

Tips & Techniques for Creating Hymn-based Organ Settings
A guide to extemporizing chorale preludes from your hymnal written in layman's terms.

NEW! This new edition continues where the first book leaves off in teaching techniques necessary to create a variety of pleasant settings based on the notes of the hymnal harmonizations. The hymnal serves as the basic printed resource for taking something "off the page." Each self-directed chapter treats a different technique, and it's not necessary to work through the chapters in order. One may also use contrasting techniques to develop longer settings. Volume 2 includes more advanced concepts, such as "Modifying Inner Voices," "Changing Tonality," and "Ornamenting Melodies."

by Jacques van Oortmerssen This book provides study material, in English, for the development of a thorough and reliable organ technique based on historical principles and tradition, toward the development of expressiveness and stylistic differentiation. ....intended for those with a relatively advanced keyboard tecnique.

An method for the pianist seeking to learn about the organ and its music. Both legato and articulate touches are covered, as well as Pedal technique and hymn playing. Exercises feature works that may be used in practical situations, including many hymn tunes. 93 pages with spiral binding to lay flat on the music rack.

This method combines 19th-century legato technique and early, articulated technique. A substantial section relates organ design to music composed for it, ornamentation, late 20th-century music, accompaniment and service playing. 382 pages, spiralbound

NEW! Most organists are reluctant to attempt improvisation because they seem convinced that it must be elaborate and complex. In the hands of masters of the art this may be true; simple improvisation, however, can be within the grasp of most organists. When learned, this skill can be of great use, and it is especially effective as a tool to enhance worship. These lessons make this material as practical as possible, allowing the organist to make direct and immediate application of the art of improvisation to the playing of the church service itself.

Described by author Gerre Hancock as “an informal workbook, a compendium of very basic ideas that will point the musician in the proper direction on the road to improvisation,” this book treats forms from the scale and hymns to the sonata, canon, trio and fugue, among others. 163 pages, softbound.

These simple but satisfying, loosely-graded, exercises are aimed at bolstering self-confidence and enable the student to improvise from the start.

by Clemens von Gleich & Johnann Sonnleitner From J. S. Bach’s complete instrumental and vocal works, the authors have selected some 200 practical examples which are presented as exercises for students, professionals, and amateurs. Clear explanations and discussions are written engagingly in English. The book also contains a CD of Jacques van Oortmerssen playing works of Bach on several famous historic organs. 176 pages softbound