The Stake Organ Training Program

This program establishes a consistent, stake-supported pathway for developing ward organ accompanists who can effectively support congregational worship. The system is designed to be self-sustaining, with the organ training course created by Landon Finch serving as the primary instructional foundation.

The purpose of a ward accompanist is to help ward members increase faith in Jesus Christ through sacred music by providing prelude and postlude music and accompanying congregational singing (see General Handbook, chapter 19).

Where an organ is available, learning to play it is an important part of this calling. This program provides a structured way for accompanists to develop the skills needed to serve effectively with ongoing support.

The organ is uniquely suited to lead congregational singing due to its sustained tone and ability to support a large congregation. When used well, it helps unify singing, invite the Spirit, and enhance worship.

Meetinghouses typically include both an organ and a piano because they serve different purposes:

• The organ leads congregational singing and provides prelude/postlude music

• The piano is used for musical selections.

Although both are keyboard instruments, the piano and organ function very differently:

• The organ does not use a sustain pedal and requires specialized technique 

• It includes a pedalboard and multiple tonal settings (stops)

• Sound is sustained differently, requiring careful control and coordination

Because of these differences, specific training is required for an accompanist to use the organ effectively in worship. This program helps build confidence and ability in playing the organ effectively.

The Church encourages training and support for those serving in music callings (see General Handbook 19.5.2, 19.5.3, 19.6, 30.1.1, 30.2). Providing structured training helps accompanists feel confident and improves the quality of worship in sacrament meeting.

Ward leaders work with the ward music coordinator to identify potential accompanists using a simple survey. Key considerations include:

• Ability to read music and play hymns on the piano

• Availability to practice during the week

• Willingness to learn the organ

Those who demonstrate willingness and capacity are strong candidates to be trained and considered for the calling.

When extending a calling, priesthood leaders should:

• Explain the purpose and expectations (see General Handbook chapter 19; 30.2)

• Invite participation in organ training (see 19.6; 30.2)

• Provide access to the meetinghouse for regular practice (19.7.2)

• Proceed with sustaining and setting apart (see 30.3)

Suggested explanation:

“Part of this calling includes learning to play the organ. You will be supported through a structured training program and given access to practice regularly.”

Developing organ skills takes time (typically 4–6 months). While training is underway, wards can:

• Use a pianist temporarily

• Use the prerecorded hymn accompaniments feature on the organ (if available)

• Use hymn recordings from the Gospel Library to support singing by connecting a mobile device to the chapel’s sound system.

This allows worship to continue while new accompanists develop their skills.

The organ training course functions as the primary, ongoing instructor. All other elements of the program provide structure, support, and opportunities for application as participants develop their ability to strengthen faith in Jesus Christ through sacred music. (see General Handbook, chapter 19)

Before implementing a stake organ training program, the stake music coordinator and stake organ specialist should counsel with the stake presidency and receive their approval, support, and endorsement. A successful organ training program requires the encouragement and backing of those who hold the proper priesthood keys to ensure the efforts made through the program accomplish their intended purpose, promote participation, and ensure long-term success. Once the stake presidency has given their approval, the stake organ specialist can begin organizing and implementing the program based on local needs and circumstances.

The stake organ specialist should begin implementing the program by selecting one or more accompanists and mentoring them one-on-one in individualized instruction to guide them through completing the organ course so that they could, in turn, serve as organ mentors for other accompanists. One-on-one instruction is the best and most effective way to accomplish this. 

One-on one instruction should be designed to meet the needs of each participant and instill excitement and dedication in learning or improving their organ skills, ultimately producing a self-sustaining cycle in which trained individuals are prepared to guide others through the organ course, thereby increasing the number of capable organists in a stake.

For the safety and integrity of all those in involved, all Church policies regarding one-on-one interactions with members of the opposite sex, children, and youth should be strictly followed. Appropriate arrangements should be made to ensure that a parent or another responsible adult is present in the same room during training sessions with an organ mentor. (see General Handbook section 31.1.4)

• As new participants enter the program, the stake organ specialist communicates with them individually to help them begin their organ training.

• The stake organ specialist provides each participant with access to the online organ training course and explains how to use it according to the “How to Use This Resource” section on the course homepage. The specialist also establishes expectations for consistent practice, helps coordinate access to a chapel organ for regular practice, and assigns each participant an organ mentor to provide individualized instruction, guidance, and feedback.

• When organ mentors are assigned to work with members of the opposite sex, children, or youth, the stake organ specialist ensures that both the mentor and participant understand the relevant Church policies and coordinates appropriate arrangements to safeguard the safety and integrity of everyone involved.

• Participants are encouraged to work consistently through the organ training course, practice regularly, and demonstrate their progress to their assigned organ mentor. The stake organ specialist remains available to answer questions and provide additional support as needed.

Participants begin working through the organ training course.

• Organ Mentors are:

  • • Coordinated by the stake organ specialist

• Purpose:

  • • Encourage consistency

    • Provide peer support

    • Reinforce weekly practice habits

Semi-annual organ workshops provide an ongoing opportunity for ward accompanists and prospective organists to counsel together and strengthen their ability to help members increase faith in Jesus Christ through sacred music. Participants use the organ training course as the guiding resource for instruction and discussion.

These workshops are held semi-annually during a designated time block on Sunday or at another time coordinated by the stake organ specialist.

Organ workshops can be organized at the stake level, ward level, or among multiple wards, depending on local needs and available resources.

They are typically led by the stake organ specialist or another qualified and experienced organist.

Participants

• Current ward accompanists

• Prospective organists or those preparing to serve

Focus of Organ Workshops

Participants counsel together about principles and practices from the organ training course, including how to improve hymn playing and more effectively support congregational singing. 

Workshops may include:

• Polishing hymn playing skills

• Technical reinforcement and review of course principles

• Teaching or reviewing lessons from the organ training course

• Application topics such as:

  • • • Registration

      • Adapting pianistic hymns to the organ

      • Repeated note treatment

      • Fingering and pedaling

      • Creative hymn playing techniques

      • Prelude and postlude

      • Choir accompaniment

      • Improvisation and modulation

      • Appropriate sacred repertoire selection

• Questions, discussion, and peer learning

A structured, flexible progression for new organists.

• Prelude/postlude → partial hymn assignments → full meeting participation

• Managed by ward leadership in coordination with the ward music coordinator

• Advancement based on readiness and confidence

The stake organ specialist supports and coordinates the program as follows:

• Implements the program as directed by the stake presidency and stake music coordinator.

• Coordinates the pairing of participants with organ mentors.

• Maintains communication with organ mentors and participants, providing follow up and support as needed. 

• Provides targeted organ clinics upon request or when additional support is needed.

• Coordinates semi-annual organ workshops.

• Supports wards in the gradual integration of new organists into sacrament meeting service.

This framework is intended to:

• Increase the number of capable ward organists.

• Strengthen consistency and quality of sacrament meeting music.

• Reduce long-term dependence on centralized instruction.

• Establish a sustainable, stake-supported system of musical development.