Headphones Do’s and Don’ts for Digital Organ Playing
Every digital organ that I have listened to over headphones (of any brand/quality) has sounded drastically different through headphones than through speakers into the room. This has been my experience with Viscount, Allen, Rodgers, and Walker. The difference is always significant and surprising. Organ pipes were never meant to be inserted into the ear and […]
Hymn History & Structure
History The word hymn originates from the Greek word for “a song of praise” and those who write hymns are know as hymnodists. Though there are many hymns from other cultures that have been written, such as those from ancient Egypt and the Jewish tradition, the hymns we will focus on today are those of […]
The Different Types of Organs
Pump Organ Pump organs are one of the most portable early organs and were incredibly popular during the 19th century in small churches and homes. Sound is produced when air moves past a thin piece of metal, called a reed, which vibrates and creates sound. The organ player must continuously use foot pedals to pump […]
Caring For Your Digital Organ
Have you just purchased your first organ or have you had your church organ for a while and are thinking that your instrument may need maintenance? Regardless, where you fall on the spectrum, it’s important that you consider the maintenance that your organ may need, because your instrument will only last and sound as good […]
Reasons to Play the Organ
Have you ever considered playing the organ? Why haven’t you? What’s holding you back? Have you always thought of the organ as a “churchy” instrument? Regardless of what your opinion of the organ is, we at Viscount, highly suggest you learn more about this amazing instrument and how to play it! But, why learn to […]
Viscount Organs: Tradition, Passion, and Technology Combined
Church organs are unique instruments. Not only are they centuries old – or, if their origin instruments are considered, millennia old – but they also have endured through western culture ever since their introduction. Organs were and still are central to many churches’ worship services and found their way into secular culture and music, as […]
Why Every Organist Needs the Right Footwear and Organ Shoes
Playing the organ requires skill, coordination, and the right equipment. While most organists focus on manuals, stops, and pedals, they often overlook proper footwear. A good pair of organ shoes enhances control, stability, and comfort, making a significant difference in performance. Why Organ Shoes Matter Enhance Pedal Technique Organ shoes improve pedal technique by offering […]
Church Organs in Silent Films: The Unsung Hero of Early Cinema
Silent films may have lacked spoken dialogue but were never truly silent. Music played a crucial role in bringing these films to life, and one of the most dramatic and versatile instruments used was the church organ. From eerie horror films to grand epics, the church organ’s deep resonance heightened suspense, added grandeur, and evoked […]
Play Your Viscount Organ Like A Pro: Practice Like One
Many want to be great at something, but don’t always know how to get there or don’t want to put in the needed effort. Playing your Viscount organ well is a process of self-discipline, dedication, and enjoyment. Here are some tips for practicing your Viscount organ like a pro: Practice Tips for Your Viscount Organ […]
Evolving the Digital Organ
The evolution of the organ has not been a rapid process, instead it has grown and changed over time thanks to societal tastes and technological limitations throughout the formation of today’s Western Civilization. This gradual, relatively unchanged evolution took a massive spike as technology allowed for digital elements to be included in the classic pipe […]