Best organ "tutor" or method?

[jcabraham]

Hi All,

I have some experience on the piano/harpsichord, and am looking for the best organ method to start with. I've heard good things about Gleason, but I saw it in a library and wasn't impressed. I have the Peeter's "Little Organ Book," which I think is a ridiculously good buy at $10.

Sanger's "Play the Organ, vol. 2" was recommended, as well as Davis' "Organists Manual". Any preferences?

[jcabraham]

And what about the Dupre 79 Chorales?

[Contratrombone64]

C.H. Trevor wrote a fine book for beginner organists (the Dupre is not a method) with plenty of focus on pedals early on. It's called The Oxford Organ Method. He also edited and published a series of books called The Progressive Organist; a collection of graded pieces from easy to difficult, comes in about 8 volumes from memory.

[wljmrbill]

sometimes I think the method is not near as important as finding a GOOD TUTOR for awhile in-order-to get down the basics right off the bat... Good luck. I enjoy playing organ very much all my life..

[jcabraham]

the Dupre is not a method.

Let's try again: and, *incidentally,* what about the Dupre 79 chorales? Are they suitable for beginners? I don't hear them mentioned much.

[Contratrombone64]

whatever ...

[Krummhorn]

I've heard of the Oxford method, but have never had the opportunity to peruse its pages. Certainly have heard good reports about it.

The Dupre 79 is an excellent collection I used as a preparatory study before tackling the JS Bach chorales. I still use the Dupre 79 for service playing where I need simple fill music or a quick postlude.

I used the Gleason method (still have the book) but have since migrated to the pedal technique of Stainer (playing on inside and outside of feet, crossing, etc) which is more "accepted" today than it was when I was in my beginning organ studies in 1960.

[Mush]

Another great little collection is the 52 Chorale Preludes Op.67 by Max Reger.