Do you know of some good, under-used words from Christian hymnody that need new music? Organists’ Review magazine, with the IAO, have launched a competition for a newly-composed hymn tune.

Jeremiah Stephenson shares ideas on how to practise improvisation and develop the keyboard harmony reflexes to improvise on hymn tunes. 

David Pipe explores the musical styles which are part of the weekly repertoire of Catholic church musicians, with advice on accompanying responsorial psalms, hymns, and worship songs.

Films 9 and 10 in the Teach the Organ series curated by Anne Marsden Thomas, on teaching the specific skills required by the church organist.

Martin How gives a masterclass in hymn accompaniment, recorded on the organ of Croydon Minster. In this video he discusses the choice of hymn speed and registration, use of breathing and pauses, and how to respond as a player to both the tune and the words.

Simon Williams presents a masterclass in hymn playing at the organ of the Royal Hospital School, Holbrook, Suffolk.  He advises on registration, playovers and console management for hymns, how to match your hymn playing to the organ and the acoustic, and how to encourage confident singing from the congregation. 

Playing hymns is an essential part of the musical lives of most organists. The hymn is a resilient art form, and has survived into the twenty-first century, with twenty-first century resources to match. Here’s a guide to some of them.

Croydon Minster is inviting all Choirmasters and Music Directors to join them in their Hymnathon on 1st and 2nd July, when they will be singing non-stop through the entire New English Hymnal, to support the organ appeal.

‘To accompany hymns well is our bread and butter’, said Daniel Moult, at the start of our RCO workshop on hymn playing last year, ‘but also quite an art.  So take pride in your hymn playing – have your own hymn book marked up with your pedalling, cues, and notes.’