Question 1

How much does a Church Organist make?

Alison Stolpa · Accepted Answer

Church Organists make anywhere from $17,000 to $41,000 annually. The average annual salary for an Organist is around $29,200, although how much a Church Organist makes depends on the size and financial footing of their congregation, as well as how much they work. Many of these roles are part-time positions.

Question 2

What is the single biggest suggestion you would give to someone wanting to get into this career?

Benjamin Sheen · Accepted Answer

“Don’t give up if at first you don’t succeed. The organ world can be incredibly competitive and jobs can be sometimes difficult to find – especially that idea of the ‘perfect’ job for you. However, it’s important to remember that nothing is permanent and, with hard work, you will be able to carve out a career that suits you and hopefully drives you on to greater things.”

Question 3

What’s the #1 mistake people make when trying to get into this career?

Benjamin Sheen · Accepted Answer

“I think the biggest mistake I have seen some fellow Organists make is complacency. Whatever degree or competition you might have won or whatever organ scholarship you have held in the past does not necessarily guarantee your career to take off immediately. 
“This is true of all musicians – it is a competitive world and it is a dangerous thing to rely on one or two successes in your early career to make it as a successful musician — Organist or otherwise.”

Question 4

What is the question people should ask about this career but rarely do?

Benjamin Sheen · Accepted Answer

“Do you ever get frustrated in your job?
“Of course, I do. When you work with boy choristers who are between the age of seven and fourteen, there are certainly days you wish to forget! There are also some days where practicing can feel like a real burden, but I must remind myself there is a reason for what I do and that I would not trade in my profession for anything else in the world. 
“The feeling of having performed some of the great masterworks of the classical repertoire on a stage or in a church is a feeling that keeps us all going through the darker times!”

Question 5

What is one thing I should have asked which I didn’t?

Benjamin Sheen · Accepted Answer

“Where has my favorite performance been?
“I think it would have to be one of my first ever recitals that I gave at the age of thirteen in St. Paul’s Cathedral in London. To this day, I am fairly certain I was (and still am) the youngest recitalist ever to play in the cathedral’s Sunday evening recital series. 
“It was an incredible experience that I have come to appreciate more and more in recent years, as it was the start of my concert career and I am grateful to have the opportunity to play to audiences across the world and bring them some of the music I most enjoy performing.”

Question 6

If you could describe in one word what makes you successful, what would it be?

Benjamin Sheen · Accepted Answer

“I would hope that I would be described as passionate. I dedicate my life to music and pushing myself to learn new pieces and techniques but am also respectful of others and doing things a ‘different’ way. Being a musician requires a great deal of commitment and passion to bring what we do to the world.”

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Church Organist