Frequently Asked Questions

What classes should I attend? How do I select the classes that will be most beneficial to my skill level?
Classes are designed for organists at a range of levels or on certain levels of training. Participants should place themselves into one of the levels listed at the beginning of the Class Descriptions. Beginning organists are encouraged to attend those classes marked with an asterisk (*) on the Daily Schedule. If you are unsure of your level, please consider registering for an Instruction Placement Audition on the Monday before the workshop. If you are a first-timer, it is also very helpful to attend the 10:00 a.m. class on Tuesday, August 5 in the Madsen Recital Hall entitled “Orientation, Questions, and Answers.”

What are some tips from other first-time workshop attendees?

1. Bring an LDS hymnbook for the hymn sing and for classes.
2. Review the class descriptions carefully before arriving so you know what other items to bring.
3. Bring a notebook to capture all of the good information and take notes shared by the teachers. Staff paper and Post-it notes may also be helpful.
4. Consider purchasing organ shoes if they are recommended.
5. Plan on going on the Thursday field trip (especially if you haven’t been to Utah before). It is a treat, and the visit to hear the Tabernacle Choir will be a night to remember.
6. Bring a bag to carry all your stuff (or hope that you get a workshop tote).
7. Bring a portable lunch to eat between classes (the HFAC has some seating areas)—it will enable you to enjoy the lunchtime sessions or take a quick lunch break instead of braving the crowds in the cafeterias and missing a workshop class.
8. Bring some extra money and plan your schedule so you can visit the exhibit area. The BYU Bookstore is also located in the Wilkinson Student Center next door.

Why can’t we park closer to the Harris Fine Arts Center? Did I hear that you will have shuttle vans?
Because the BYU Organ Workshop is well attended and there are other conferences and workshops happening at the same time, the BYU Traffic Office will not be granting permits to park in any of the lots near the HFAC. Summer term at BYU is still in session, employees are still working, and there are other conferences and workshops going on at the same time. Free parking is available in Lot 49 kitty-corner to the Marriott Center. Parking will NOT be available in Lot 26 next to the Law School, in Lot 2 next to the Museum of Art, or in Lot 20, west of the Conference Center. Participants staying in campus housing are encouraged to park in the “C” lots adjoining the residence halls.

For the evening recitals on Tuesday, August 5, and Wednesday, August 6, you may park in Lot 2 east of the Museum of Art.

Between Tuesday and Friday, we will provide van shuttles between Lot 49 and the Harris Fine Arts Center. Vans will run continuously during peak times and will be “on call” the rest of the day. The van driver’s cell phone number is (801) 360-1210. Shuttles will not operate on Monday. It takes approximately 10 minutes to walk from the Conference Center parking lot to the Harris Fine Arts Center.

When do I sign up for Private Organ Instruction?
Please sign up and pay for these options upon registration. There are two options–$25 for a 25-minute private lesson and $40 for a 50-minute private lesson. When instructors and rooms have been decided, you will receive an e-mail to enable you to select the day/time/hour/organ you would like.

How is Supervised Practice different from Private Organ Instruction?
During Supervised Practice, you may practice on any of the 12 electronic organs in the organ lab. This is an excellent time for “hands- or feet-on” training. You might also consider bringing a copy of the stoplist of your organ to Supervised Practice and Study to get a few registration tips from the instructor. Four of the organs are reserved for these ten-minute supervised practice sessions. The other eight organs are open for practice or computer study without supervision on a first-come, first-served basis. There is no extra cost for this.

Private Organ Instruction sessions are one-on-one organ lessons with your choice of both instructor and organ—an excellent opportunity to receive help in hymn playing, organ pieces, BYU Independent Study organ course requirements, or any area of organ performance. Play hymns and/or organ repertoire that you have prepared for the instructor, who will comment on your preparation and provide guidance for further study. You must pre-register for this. There are 25-minute appointments ($25) or 50-minute appointments ($40) with the instructor on the instrument of your choice (space limited). Limited practice time and choice of instruments are available throughout the workshop.

How can I practice on an organ during the workshop?
Beginning Tuesday morning, August 5, we will have sign-up sheets at the registration desk. You can sign up for time in a practice room. We also have a 12-station organ lab that is available when classes are not held there. Players practice with headphones.

Will you have an exhibit area as you had in the past?
We will have a small exhibit area with limited open times during the workshop. We stock organs, sheet music, books, and other organ instruction-related items. Check the flyer in your packet for specific open hours.

Can I do a group registration or register to come for only a day?
Group registration (a shared ticket) is not encouraged because many of the classes continue over the four days. One-day registrations are not be available for that same reason.

I see from your literature that your age requirements for this workshop are ages 18 and above. I have a child/grandchild who is under 18 who would like to attend the BYU Organ Workshop.
We strongly recommend that younger organists register for the Young Musicians’ Summer Festival, held June 15–21, 2008. This is a program for instrumentalists and vocalists ages 14-18. Participants are able to be with their own age group and enjoy top-notch musical instruction (including on the organ—small-group instruction), along with evening social events with their peers.

The BYU Organ Workshop is open to women and men age 18 and older. Younger, serious organ students may be admitted on an exception basis and with special permission, provided they are not residing on campus. If a child is accompanying a parent or grandparent who is registered for the Organ Workshop, or if they are advanced enough in their skills to attend classes with adults, they may be accepted to the Organ Workshop. E-mail jean.hwang@byu.edu to obtain a Parental Release Form. Parental supervision must be provided for the Thursday evening bus trip to Salt Lake City. There may be fee to do this if bus space is limited.

What is Organ Certification?
BYU Independent Study offers organ courses for university credit. This is not directly related to the workshop. It is a six-level Organ Performance class (ranging from 2 to 5 university credits). Tuition ranges from $212 to $530. By attending the BYU Organ Workshop and attending Organ Instruction classes (1:00 p.m. class), you qualify to register for one level of Organ Certification at a cost of $25. This arrangement is only for those who haven’t taken advantage of this deal in the past, and registration is only available through the workshop. The registration deadline is August 8, 2008.

Can I bring my infant or child? He/she won’t be any trouble . . .
Many classes are hands-on and require full attention. Infants and young children will not be admitted to any workshop sessions.

Can I come a day early or stay a day later in the dorms?
Early arrival housing is available for participants who are registered in the BYU Organ Workshop. You may arrive as early as Saturday, August 2 after 3:00 p.m. The extra fee is $19 per day. Participants are not allowed to stay in housing after the workshop has ended. To request and pay for early arrival, go to www.byu.edu/confservices or call (801) 422-5671.

Where can I find eating places close to the workshop classes?
In your packet which you will receive at registration check-in on Tuesday morning, August 5, a list of eating areas will be included. There are also vending machines and a microwave in the basement of the Harris Fine Arts Center.

Can you tell me about the dinner groups associated with the Thursday night in Salt Lake City?
We select three or four restaurants and give you the option to go together with other participants who may be interested in doing the same. You can sign up for dinner groups at registration check-in on Tuesday morning, August 5. Dine with fellow organists and make lasting friendships. The price of dinner is not included with registration but is the responsibility of the diner.

For (whatever purpose), I need a letter confirming my attendance at the Organ Workshop. Is it possible to obtain this?
Call (801) 422-4785 or e-mail jean.hwang@byu.edu to request a letter to be sent to you or directly to your school district.

I have some recommendations for the workshop. How can I get these ideas or suggestions to you?
We are always happy to receive input for improvement. We read every submission and will implement those ideas that would improve the workshop and are feasible. Be sure to complete the workshop evaluation form found in your packet. You can either mail it in after the workshop or save postage by completing it at the workshop and placing it in the drop box at the information desk.

The refund deadline has passed, but I have had a family emergency, medical crisis, or other urgent situation. Will I be able to get my money back?
Please put your request in writing and send it to Organ Workshop Refunds, 352 Harman Continuing Education Building, Provo, UT  84602, or fax a letter to (801) 422-0745. Make sure you state your name and what options you were registered for. After the deadline, each situation will be considered individually, depending on the case and the reason for the refund request. Only in exceptional cases will the $25 cancellation fee be waived.