I find autumn an invigorating season, from both the changes in the natural world and the familiar charge of back-to-school energy. This energy usually reminds me that learning is a life-long process. In the context of AGO, continuing education is foundational, as its mission is to foster a thriving community of musicians who share their knowledge and inspire passion for the organ.
If you’ve thought this might be the time to brush up on old skills or learn new ones, here are some options:
Performance skills-
- Private study with a Tacoma chapter member–there is a scholarship fund to support this, and the application deadline is at the end of October! For details, see the AGO Scholarship page.
- Study organ with Dr. Wyatt Smith through Community Music at the University of Puget Sound. This includes practice access to the Fritts organ at Kilworth Chapel.
- Study organ with Dr. Stephen Price through non-matriculated studies at the University of Washington. This includes practice access to instruments in Seattle, including St. Mark’s, St. James, St. Alphonsus, and University Presbyterian.
- Join a study group! Ars Organi meets every few weeks for a Friday morning seminar at Christ Episcopal Church. The group is co-led by David Dahl and Satya Jaech (contact Satya for more information).
Church music skills-
Our own chapter’s programming includes a wonderful upcoming event on Oct 21: Hymn interpretations with David Dahl.
AGO national has a lot of resources on its website, and also produces educational webinars. I’m planning on attending one on Oct 2nd, “Being Yourself in the Spotlight of Music Ministry”.
Wishing you happy studies and an energized fall!
Sheila Bristow
Past Dean, Tacoma Chapter