Secrets of Organ Playing Podcast

In this episode of the Secrets of Organ Playing podcast (SOPP802), Vidas and Ausra answer a question from listener Patrick, who has been experiencing left hip joint pain after beginning regular pedal practice.We discuss the physical challenges organists face and share practical ergonomic and wellness advice:How improper bench height and distance from the console strain joints and muscles.Why common resting positions on the pedalboard can harm hip alignment.The importance of core strength, Pilates, stretching, and physical awareness for long-term playing health.Techniques for shifting positions across octaves safely.Practical adjustments you can make at the console to protect your body.

In this Secrets of Organ Playing Podcast episode (SOPP 801), Vidas and Ausra answer a listener question from Andrew about playing simple, popular songs by ear instead of reading sheet music.

Welcome to Episode 800 of the Secrets of Organ Playing Podcast! In this milestone episode, Vidas and Ausra reflect on reaching 800 episodes and share their recent tour experience visiting the musical heart of J.S. Bach’s world: Leipzig, Germany.Join us as we discuss:• Visiting the interactive Bach Museum, original manuscripts, and the historic Bach chest• Stepping inside St. Thomas Church (Thomaskirche) and reflecting at Bach’s grave• The striking history and modern architecture of Leipzig University’s Paulinum (St. Paul’s Church)• Performing with the Vilnius University Choir "Gaudeamus" for Leipzig University Choir's 100th anniversary• Our impressions of playing the rebuilt Paulinum organ, navigating the bench, and acoustics for Baltic & classical duet repertoire• The realities (and cleanliness!) of historic organ loftsThank you so much for your continuous support, Super Thanks, and encouragement over the past 800 episodes! Remember: When you practice, miracles happen!Total Organist - the most comprehensive organ training program online: https://www.organduo.lt/total-organist

In this episode of the Secrets of Organ Playing podcast (SOPP 799), Vidas and Ausra discuss how to approach creative registrations on small pipe organs with limited stops.Whether dealing with a single-manual instrument with a pull-down pedal or a compact two-manual practice organ, having few stops doesn’t mean being restricted in sound. They share practical techniques and registration tricks—including octave transposition, stop blending rules, re-voicing adaptations, and imaginative coupling—to bring variety, clarity, and color to your repertoire.

Why do we forget organ pieces we once knew by heart and performed in recitals, while other works stick with us for decades? In this conversation, Vidas and Ausra discuss the psychology of musical memory, the pitfalls of cramming repertoire during student years, and practical strategies—like spaced repetition and deep structural analysis—to keep your repertoire alive.We also share stories of rediscovering old recital recordings and revisit pieces by Bach, Widor, Franck, and Vierne!What organ pieces have stayed in your fingers the longest? Let us know in the comments below!