Those of you who follow this website will notice that I haven’t seemed to have written anything this past year. Sadly (?), this is not the case. I simple haven’t posted what I’ve written due to other priorities. 2022 was a complicated year for me. I went on a lengthy vacation long-delayed by Covid and… Read More I Repent!
It’s time to tell the truth: the name of this website is a mistake. When I first undertook to start composing a few years ago I agonized over the name of this website. I thought of all sorts of different names, but eventually settled on The Organ In Praise. It was going to be a… Read More The Value of a Good Mistake
Are you doing sacrament meeting in the miniature? Are you tired of singing to a string quartet? Would you like some real organ accompaniment to brighten up your home worship? If so, you have come to the right place! Beginning March 17th I will be posting hymn accompaniments, with two opening or closing hymns and… Read More Sunday Music
Today was a Sabbath day unlike any other day I have had in my life. I have always been a faithful member of the Church. I honestly believe that I can count on two hands and two feet the number of times I have not attended church services – and I’m not exactly young any… Read More A Very Different Sabbath
I recently attended the national convention of the American Guild of Organists. It was the first time I had attended such a gathering and I looked forward to seeing what I might learn. My busy work schedule did not allow me to attend every day of the convention, but the days I attended were excellent.… Read More Mentorship
Let’s talk about a sensitive subject – failure. Failure is a part of life. All of us have experienced it and, most likely, none of us enjoy it. Failure can hurt at a deep emotional level and, depending on how badly we think we failed, the hurt can take a long time to heal. Failure… Read More Failure Is a Good Thing!
Recently we went adventuring. Here’s quick report of our recent travels. Vacation 1: The Stuart family recently went on a vacation. We chose to do a cruise. We sailed out of a dirty, nasty city and had to walk around the trash and the people passed out on the streets. Just getting to our room… Read More A Tale of Two Vacations
For those of you living near San Jose, California, I’m pleased to announce the San Jose, California 2017 BYU Organ Workshop, which will be March 3rd and 4th, 2017. We will begin with a concert and hymn sing on March 3rd. Come and listen to BYU faculty and talented local organists perform! Also come prepared… Read More 2017 San Jose BYU Organ Workshop
I have a question for you: Have you received his image in your playing? With this question, paraphrased from the prophet Alma, lies the greatest challenge that faces a Latter-day Saint organist. While we have to be good at what we do, the greater challenge is to do good. As church musicians and especially as… Read More Have We Received His Image In Our Playing?
About six years ago my bishop asked to meet with me. As part of the conversation, he delivered news I never wanted to hear: I had been called as a Scoutmaster. As a youth, I hated(!) Scouting. Words cannot express my extreme dislike of camping (especially in the snow), tying knots and eating what can… Read More The Church Calling I Never Wanted (or, what is a CAGO?)
The Organ Is Praise 