Pittsburgh Chapter - American Guild of Organists

Pittsburgh Organ Academy

Level I: The Beginning Student

Level I of the Academy is designed to encourage new students to play the organ. Students with less than a year of organ study are encouraged to apply. Auditions for Level I are open to students presently in the seventh to twelfth grades. Students must display at least an intermediate piano proficiency by completing an audition. Level I awards may be extended for a second year, based on the recommendation of the assigned teacher. All applicants must be able to reach the pedalboard comfortably. Auditions are by appointment.

Audition Requirements:

Applications will be expected to meet the following requirements:

Play two octave scales (both hands together) to metronome marking of 70 = quarter note.

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.

Award Benefits:

Level I students will receive sixteen 45-minute lessons normally from September to May with an organ teacher chosen by the POA. The length of the lesson and frequency may be determined on an individual basis according to the needs and level of the student.

Season tickets for the Organ Artists Series of Pittsburgh.

Student membership in the Pittsburgh Chapter of the American Guild of Organists, including a subscription to The American Organist magazine.

Possible financial assistance in the amount of $300 to attend an AGO convention or Pipe Organ Encounter.

Complimentary dinners at Pittsburgh Chapter AGO meetings.

Terms of Award:

Each student agrees to provide all necessary materials (organ shoes, music, transportation, etc.) and to make arrangements for a practice organ. The student commits to adequate preparation for lessons during the term of study. Students will be encouraged to perform at an AGO meeting.

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