Recommended Sheet Music, The New Oxford Organ Method

The New Oxford Organ Method is a new comprehensive method book for organ providing a complete syllabus for learning. Designed for keyboard players of any age, the method can be used as a self-tutor or as material for teaching. Suitable for both beginners who are establishing their first steps at the organ, and experienced players wanting to improve their existing technique, only a basic keyboard ability is needed (approximately ABRSM Grade 2 level and above). The book contains concise explanatory text for greater understanding of the instrument, and pieces cover a range of styles, including compositions by J.S. Bach, Buxtehude, Franck, Reger, Walton, and many more.

The New Oxford Organ Method places organ repertoire at its centre, using carefully selected pieces as the basis for learning the instrument. A single piece of repertoire is the primary focus for each chapter, with preparatory exercises providing the necessary technical work, giving a strong sense of purpose throughout.

Designed to be worked through systematically from beginning to end, each lesson covers practice methods, registration, fingering, pedalling, and interpretation. Part one presents ten pieces that use ordinary touch, the not-quite-legato touch familiar to players before the nineteenth century. Ordinary touch trains the hands in position fingerings, develops toes-only footing, and teaches you how to play an expressive line through manipulation of note lengths. The second part of the book, comprising seven pieces, introduces the greater complexities of legato touch. It explains that both ordinary and legato touch are subject to a wide array of nuances, and the culmination of both will develop increasing sophistication as the book continues. The last section contains three pieces that focus on advanced style and technique.

Stylistic questions are answered throughout the book, alongside practice strategies. Comprehensive fingering and footing is included at the beginning of the book which gradually reduces so that you can work out your own solutions as you progress. Scales and arpeggios are also seeded throughout the book. Each chapter ends with three newly composed studies; sixty in total.

About the Authors

Anne Marsden Thomas is one of the most influential organ teachers of today and has wide experience as a concert and church organist. She has written or edited over twenty books for organists. In 2015 she was awarded the MBE in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours, and in 2017 was the first woman to receive the Royal College of Organists highest decoration, the RCO medal.

Dr Frederick Stocken is a widely commissioned and performed composer whose recorded and broadcast music ranges from organ and choral pieces to orchestral works. His publications include not only compositions, but also musicological writing and keyboard tutors. He is a cathedral organist and a distinguished teacher of organ, music theory and musicianship at all levels.