In General

Hymn Playing

The organ and organist enjoy a long history in their role of accompanying congregational hymn singing. Because many organs are housed in church buildings and the organists serve church congregations, helping to promote a sense of community through hymn singing is commonly viewed as their primary function.

Virtually all organists receive training and experience in hymn playing at some point in their careers. Even those primarily interested in the concert organ literature should become very skilled at hymn playing. An organist who can perform a Bach prelude and fugue but who cannot provide leadership to a singing congregation needs additional training.