Frequently asked questions about organists

What are the organist's duties?

1. He plays as the congregation assemble.
2. He plays for the entrance of the bride.
3. He accompanies the hymns.
   
4. During the signing of the register, he accompanies the choir or soloist, or plays a solo item himself.
   
5. He plays the recessional (exit music), and continues to play until all have left the church.

How can I tell if my local organist is good enough to play the music I want?

If he or she only offers you a limited choice of music, this may indicate a limited repertoire. Try asking if he or she can play the Toccata from Fifth Symphony by Widor (a very well-known [but very difficult] recessional). The organist's reaction should give you a good indication as to their level of competence!
Alternatively, ask them if they have passed their ARCO or FRCO (Associate/Fellow of the Royal College of Organists) examinations. If they have, you are unlikely to run into problems, but if not...

My local organist is awful! What can I do?

Provided you handle the situation sensitively, you will normally be permitted to engage an outside professional player. You should always ask (rather than inform) your vicar or priest, and should offer to pay the local organist the fee that he or she would have earned. This is unlikely to amount to more than £50.00, and probably less.

My local organist seems OK, so why should I go to the expense of engaging a professional?

1. You will get a much higher standard of music-making if you engage a professional player
2. You will have total freedom in your choice of music (subject to the capabilities of the organ itself!).
3. A professional will know how to get the very best out of even the most modest church organ.
4. The local organist will be booked for the next wedding at that church however he plays. Isn't it better to engage someone whose reputation is only as good as his last performance, and who therefore needs to impress every time?

How do I go about engaging a professional organist?

Contact us! We have arranged organists for hundreds of weddings all over the country, and know (personally) dozens of full-time professional players worldwide. We can advise you as to repertoire suitable for your church's organ, and can even provide specially-compiled CDs of this music too. This service is free if you engage musicians through us.

What organ music should I choose?

Much depends on the size and age of the organ, and when it was last tuned and serviced. Not all organ music can be played on all instruments. We can advise about this.

I hate "Here comes the bride"! Do I have to have this?

No! Although 'Here comes the bride' (The Wedding March from Wagner's opera Lohengrin) can sound marvellous if well played, there are literally hundreds of alternatives. Or how about adding a trumpeter or two, for example?