johnstump_organist wrote:What is your skill level? Are you referring to technique or music theory? For music theory, do you know scales and how to spell and grab chords on the keyboard? If you see the symbol C, F7, Cmin7 Co7, etc can you figure out the notes of those chords and get a hold of them on the keyboard? If not, The book by Modern FIll Magic by BIll Irwin starts with scales and chord spelling. Some of the others might assume such knowledge, I don't know, not having seen them.
Let us know and maybe we can recommend some books on learning scales and spelling chords.
For Pop/Theater music you don't need full blown music theory (although it helps), but scales and chord spellings are needed, unless you play fully written out arrangements.
John
Hi John, and thanks for your interest in trying to help me out here.
Other than some brief early on instruction for traditional organ I've been largely self taught. My first goal was to learn to read notes vs. learning chords as I found out that cords never come up in 3 stave traditional / church organ music, so I've paid little attention to calling out chords and playing them although I do know a few and where they are. My focus has been to pick out music that isn't overly complicated, is generally in the 2 to 5 minute in length range that I have heard and is in my head, that way when I practice and play it I know how it should sound. I've learned anything from hymns to trumpet tunes to French baroque to more modern organ music, etc., whatever catches my ear that I think I can learn. I've printed off a lot of music from IMSLP as an example and it has been a treasure trove for the French barque stuff. No, unfortunately chords and scales are not in my wheelhouse as I again took the approach to learn to read notes and then learn songs. As far as music theory goes I have pretty much none. Due to the fact I'm also a play by ear type and can hum a tune and work things out on the keyboard from there, although the outcome can often be somewhat limited, for theater organ so far this is what I've done. I see a lot of improvising going on in theater organ as everyone seems to have their way of doing things so I improvise as well and just come up with what I feel sounds good. This has worked to an extent, but it is the area where I don't have enough experience so some guidance with notes and timing of accompaniment with the left hand and pedal and perhaps some instruction as to the tricks of the trade might help. Overall I'd say I'm looking more for books with familiar songs I can learn that are written with notes. Instruction would be nice but is perhaps more secondary? I mention easy as I don't want to try start out with something on the level of Bach skill level. I've got a music book at home as an example that came with a Casio keyboard I purchased years ago, but it's laid out for piano and has notes and chords so I've found it largely of no use.
On the other hand, I did watch the video yesterday that Tom Horton did where he goes over his most recent song book he published and I like the way he has things laid out in a 4 stave arrangement. In his book he does include chords for the music, however he states that although you can go the chord route if that's what you're used to, he prefers or feels it's best that you read the notes (or learn to read the notes) instead and that's what I prefer to do as well. So, books like his or books that have the music laid out more like he has done would be what I would prefer if there is such a thing.
Perhaps my subject line should have read 'looking for an easy song book suitable for theater organ.'
David who goes by 'damuehlbauer' here on the forum pointed me to this book and it looks of interest.
Update: I ordered the book below, looks like a good place to start.
https://www.amazon.com/Vintage-Theatre- ... B002UV5MAKMarc