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 music 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 music specialist can begin organizing and implementing the program based on local needs and circumstances.

The stake music specialist should begin implementing the program through either a series of 6-week group organ classes at the stake or ward level using the organ training course as the curriculum, OR 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. Either group or one-on-one instruction should be designed to instill in participants 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.

Once the program has been established, a brief orientation meeting may be all that is necessary to help potential or newly called accompanists begin the organ learning process. This meeting should be organized as often as needed to orient new participants.

• The stake music specialist meets with potential or newly called accompanists, provides each participant with access to the organ training course, explains how to use it according to the “How to Use This Resource” section on the home page of the online tutorial, and encourages them to complete it to the best of their ability before they begin serving in sacrament meeting.

• Participants are encouraged to work with organ mentors and pass off training items to them.

• The stake music specialist addresses any questions participants may have.

Participants begin working through the organ training course.

• Organ Mentors are:

  • • Self-selected by participants or coordinated by the stake music specialist

    • Optional but encouraged

• Purpose:

  • • Encourage consistency

    • Provide peer support

    • Reinforce weekly practice habits

Quarterly training meetings 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 meetings are held quarterly during a designated 1 hour time block on Sunday or at another time coordinated by the stake music specialist.

Quarterly training meetings may 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 music specialist or another qualified and experienced organist.

Participants

• Current ward accompanists

• Prospective organists or those preparing to serve

Focus of Meetings

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

Meetings 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 music specialist supports and coordinates the program as follows:

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

• Organizes orientation meetings for new organists.

• Follows up with participants in training as needed.

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

• Encourages training participants to work with organ mentors and helps coordinate them as needed.

• Coordinates quarterly training meetings.

• 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.