This article by Ms Rineke Viljoen on improvisation for church organists was published in the December 2024 issue of To the Director of Music, the journal of the Southern African Church and Concert Organists Society. The article explores organ improvisation as a critical skill for church organists, particularly in adapting music to enhance worship services.
Ms Viljoen offers several practical guidelines to develop the improvisational skills of organists, focusing on foundational theoretical knowledge and the gradual mastery of technical skills. She discusses core musical concepts such as harmonic functions, voice leading between chords, and rhythmic variations to enrich the improvisational texture. The article further provides practical examples of simple chord progressions, especially for novice improvisers.
Ms Viljoen emphasises the importance of continuous practice and experimentation in organ improvisation. She supports a routine without sheet music to foster confidence and allow for more creative freedom during services.
* Please note that this article is only available in Afrikaans.
===
Viljoen, R. 2024. Uit die hart van die orrelis: praktiese riglyne tot improvisasie op liedere tydens die erediens. Vir die Musiekleier, 44(52):82–101. https://sakov.co.za/en/die-musiekleier/
