A person who plays the organ, a musical instrument with one or more keyboards, is known as an organist. There are numerous different types of organs,...
A person who plays the organ, a musical instrument with one or more keyboards, is known as an organist. There are numerous different types of organs, and anyone who plays one is referred to as an organist. Organists frequently perform with orchestras, in churches, or as singers' accompanists, among other venues. Particularly pipe organs are frequently used to accompany church hymns and to create ambient music during the western Christian mass and other times of worship. Organs are particularly well known for their roles in church settings.
A musician that plays the organ often starts their training at a young age. Individual tutoring is frequently available for aspirant students. Many organists are more than prepared to work as organ teachers on the side in order to supplement their income, particularly church organists who are rarely paid for performing during mass. Since there are numerous undergraduate and graduate programs devoted to organ playing, students can also learn to play the organ or hone their talents as an organist while in college.
A talented organist can play in a variety of venues and circumstances. Churches frequently have organists, and those who are extremely accomplished may even get the chance to perform at significant and spacious cathedrals. A local community musical theater may also request the services of an organist to provide the music. While organ music is often uncommon in contemporary music, it is quite common in jazz, classical, and many other genres.
Organists can perform in orchestras and other musical ensembles outside of the church. They can also record music alone or with a band. In any case, you'll need a musical ear, good timing, dexterous hands, a burning desire, and the capacity to keep up with other musicians or singers. You might be requested to work at church services on Sundays or hired to sing at weddings or funerals if you put in the time and effort. You might also supply the music for plays or dance performances.
Although there are compensated jobs like these available, most Organists pursue their passions more so than for financial gain. Maintaining your day job while pursuing your passion.
Church organists typically make around $29,200 a year. Organists often make between $17,000 and $41,000 per year.
When discussing a career as an Organist, it might be challenging to put a number on the concept of advancement. Some organists work part-time; in this case, obtaining a full-time position with a church that has a reputable, long-standing organ music program would be a great advancement.
Of course, making a musical CD and touring to give concerts in illustrious places also signifies a rise in popularity, notoriety, and possibly wealth.
Here are some tips for current and aspiring organists:
Consult your teacher for assistance and do some online study on potential careers.
Make use of any chance to broaden your skill set. To put it another way, attempt to gain knowledge or instruction in choral directing, vocal instruction, accompaniment, as well as purely playing repertoire.
Aim for degrees or certifications that will set you apart from other organists.
Always push yourself a little further since there is so much music and people to learn from. Any prospective employer will value dedication and tenacity highly.
The example of an Organ Studies degree program can be the Thornton School of Music Organ Studies program:
Bachelor in Music
Performing Organs
4 years and 132 units
The BM in organ performance is a four-year, 132-unit program made up of major-related coursework (individual instruction and functional skills), core music studies (theory, aural skills, music history, conducting, big ensemble), and USC's general education and writing courses. Senior recital is necessary. Grants and prizes have been given to program graduates at the local, regional, national, and worldwide levels. Graduates of the organ studies program hold prominent university, college, and church positions around the nation in addition to routinely playing recitals and concerts, both as soloists and in group capacities.