Several prominent publications, including USA Today and The New York Times, have recently reported on a growing national shortage in church organists, a situation that has left many congregations desperately seeking professional musicians to provide the heavenly harmonies that traditionally accompany church services. University organist Mark Steinbach talked with the GSJ's Mary Jo Curtis about the trend.
I probably receive two calls a week from churches or synagogues looking for an organist/choir director to fill a vacant position. The best I can suggest is to advertise in the American Guild of Organists newsletter or classifieds. There are far more positions opening than people seeking employment. Of course, many of these are small jobs for churches that simply do not have the means to compensate a professional musician. On the other hand, in academia and for churches with fine music programs, there are far more qualified applicants than positions available.
What has caused the shortage for the less prestigious venues?
I believe one of the main reasons is (the state of ) general music education in the United States. For many schools facing a budget crunch, music is the first thing to go. Unlike the turn of the century, when most middle-class American families had pianos in their homes and made their own entertainment, many Americans today turn to television or a host of other passive choices. There are simply fewer people now who are able to read music. If a student wishes to pursue studying the organ, finding a practice instrument is sometimes difficult.
In the past, many part-time church organists for smaller parishes have been willing to donate their services, in spite of the fact that learning to develop a reasonable technique requires several years of study and consistent practice. Fewer people seem willing today to commit to playing every weekend for free or for the low compensation offered. Who can blame them? Many full-time professional musicians, like myself, end up juggling several positions teaching, performing, conducting choirs and freelancing. I like the variety, but it's not for everyone!
I think another reason for the shortage is the fact that many U.S. churches and some concert halls have opted for the cheaper electronic instruments instead of the pipe organ. A synthesizer is certainly less expensive, but once you've felt and heard genuine wind rushing through pipes at your fingertips, there is no substitute. Imagine the difference between air rushing through 3,000 pipes or sound coming through a few speakers. Brown is very fortunate to have the pipe organ in Sayles, which we have used with orchestra concerts and as a solo instrument in concerts. The pipe organ intrigues listeners old and young alike. Mozart himself called it "the king of instruments." Fortunately, many churches, university concert halls and civic orchestra halls (such as Dallas and Seattle) are again placing fine mechanical organs in their halls.
Are fewer music students interested in becoming organists and playing sacred music than in past generations?
At the same time the press is screaming shortage, there is also a resurgence of many young students taking up the organ today, partially in response to some of the fine new instruments. One program that has helped is The American Guild of Organists' new organists scholarship competition. The winning pianist receives six free organ lessons. Many local chapters of the AGO, including Rhode Island's, now sponsor such programs.