Hey Everybody,

A couple of years ago a lady who knew that I play piano gave me an old electric Yamaha organ with an octave of foot pedals. I've recently become very interested in learning how to play the organ, because I was reading about the Conservatorio Firenze's music composition program, and it required proficiency in organ, piano, and harpsichord. I've also just been wanting to learn the instrument out of general curiosity and wonder at the agility of organists' feet on those darned pedals! I saw a woman this past year at a private college here in Oregon (Lewis and Clark) who is the organist there, and the pipes were so huge, and the sounds she made with it were glorious, and I was very inspired. Anyway, I'd like to know if my little Yamaha would be OK to start practising with and, if not, maybe I should start practising at my church which has an organ with the full range of pedals.
Thanks!

The D's Pianist:

There are two problems with the pedals you have.

First they are most likely straight, flat and short. A modern AGO (american guild of organist) pedal board curves up and out at the ends. They are also longer.

The other problem is that there are only 12, which is going to be a severe limitation on what you will be able to play.

However, getting used to reading and playing three staffs of music will be very helpful.

If you can play at the church, go for it. It will sound better, just because of the acoustics. Perhaps the organist at church will give you lessons on it.

Used electronic organs like Rodgers and Allen can be bought for a very reasonable price. Look at www.theaterorgans.com ... I think.

Thanks for your input. Unfortunately, the organist at my church is not really musical (I know, doesn't make sense), and she also happens to be the pianist there. Since there isn't much musical talent in the local branch of my church, they were desperate when they assigned the job to her. She often comes to me with questions on timing and such, and she's about 30 years older than I am. I'm thinking, though, that I might ask my piano teacher if she knows of any good organists in the area who give lessons.
Again, thanks.