Pittsburgh Chapter - American Guild of Organists

Pittsburgh Organ Academy

Level I: The Beginning Student

The purpose of Level I of the Academy is to provide young pianists an opportunity to take organ lessons and experience the joy of making music with the king of instruments.

Auditions for Level I are open to students presently in the seventh to eleventh grades. Students must display at least an intermediate piano proficiency by completing an audition. Since Level I is designated to encourage new students, only those students with less than a year of organ are eligible. All applicants must be able to reach the pedalboard comfortably. Applications must be submitted no later than due date. See upcoming dates for current information.

Audition Requirements:

Auditions are typically held in late afternoon in spring preceding the end-of-month regular monthly meeting of the Pittsburgh Chapter of the American Guild of Organists. (See upcoming dates for specific information for the current year.) Auditions will be performed on the piano. No memorization is required.

Applications will be expected to meet the following requirements:

• Play two octave scales (both hands together) to metronome marking of 70.
  
• Perform a piece such as a Bach two-part invention or a movement from a sonatina.
  
• Sight read a simple selection or hymn.
  
• Display written knowledge of music theory, including treble and bass clefs, major and minor key signatures, meter signatures, and basic triads.

The Award:

A maximum of three students may be chosen for Level I awards, to receive:

• Sixteen 45-minute lessons (taught on a pipe organ) from September to May with an organ teacher chosen by the Pittsburgh Organ academy.
  
• Student membership in the PIttsburgh Chapter of the American Guild of Organists, including a subscription to The American Organist magazine.
  
• Season tickets for the Organ Artists Series of Pittsburgh.
  
• An arrangement performance for Guild members at a spring meeting.

Terms of Award:

The student agrees to provide all necessary materials (organ shoes, music, etc.) and to make arrangements for a practice organ. The student also agrees to provide transportation to the site of practice organ and lessons. The student commits to adequate preparation for lessons during the term of study. All lessons not completed by June 1 of the term granted will be forfeited.

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