At Viscount Classical Organs we know how important it is to encourage and help young organists of the future where we can. It is important for our industry, and also for the future of the organ community in general.
A digital practice organ helps with studies
In January we received an email from young Leicestershire organist, Dominic Remedios. Dominic is very keen to get a university scholarship for Oxford or Cambridge.
So he asked if we would be able to supply him with a used digital practice organ for 6-months to give him greater freedom and more time to practise for his entrance exams. As we all know, finding time to practise at your local church is not always easy.
Fortunately, we had a small Jubilate instrument that had recently arrived with us, and so we were delighted to be able to loan this instrument to Dominic to help him with his studies.
Below is Dominic’s story in his own words. Good luck Dominic!
Dominic’s love for organ music
“ I have always loved organ music, as it is such a unique instrument, it’s capabilities are huge; I always loved the sheer power an organ could generate, to almost shake a building.
One key moment for me in my childhood was around the age 9 or 10, my family and I spotted a used electric organ that had been dumped in a skip. Hence, we decided to get permission to take it home so I could explore it properly.
I first started learning the organ aged 13 with David Cowen, associate organist of Leicester cathedral after learning the piano for many years prior to that. Regularly playing for the Sunday service at St Mary’s catholic church, Loughborough allowed me to enhance my organ skills and practice on a real pipe organ.
Presently, I also enjoy playing for services and concerts in other churches, in school, and for the local community. I have given recitals on a variety of organs in Leicestershire including Leicester Cathedral and was the winner of the Advanced Organ Solo in the 2019 Leicester Music Fest.
I have attended concerts by organists such as Professor Ian Tracey and have also observed his playing in the organ loft of Liverpool cathedral. Finally, I am planning to apply for a university scholarship in the near future.”
Looking for a practice organ for your home, then please do get in contact with us. We can guide and advise you on which instruments are suitable for you based on your needs and requirements.
Not sure if you need a home practice organ? Then read our blog listing six reasons why organists should have a home practice organ.
You can also read about the delivery of a digital home practice organ to a young organist just in time before the Coronavirus lockdown.
I have had a passion for church organs since the tender age of 12. I own and run Viscount Organs with a close attention to the detail that musicians appreciate; and a clear understanding of the benefits of digital technology and keeping to the traditional and emotional elements of organ playing.
