Presented by: Sarah C. Harr, DMA, FAGO Location: Hyatt Regency - Courtland Join us as we discuss the step-by-step process and multiple benefits of pursuing AGO certification at any age or skill/education level. We will outline the prerequisites and common procedures for all levels of AGO certification, discuss effective preparation techniques for both the prepared and surprise elements of the exam, and explore questions about certification procedures. Dr. Harr will share her own five-year certification journey, including mistakes made and…

Presented by: Leslie Wolf Robb and Dr. Zach Klobnak, members of the Committee on Pipe Organ Encounters Location: Hyatt Regency - Courtland This presentation will focus on teaching strategies for working with pianists transitioning to the organ, a brief introduction to the four types of Pipe Organ Encounters (POE,) reasons a chapter should consider hosting a POE, and how young people who get an AGO membership from POE can be integrated into AGO chapters.

Presented by: Nora Hess, MM, CAGO Location: Hyatt Regency - Courtland Organ First! is a program pioneered at Brigham Young University to teach youngsters ages 7-12 how to play the organ as a first instrument, including full use of the pedals. Together with Wayne Leupold Editions, Nora Hess and Don Cook have had great success in teaching students who could not initially read music at all to the point where they could read and play simplified hymns within only a…

Presented by: Jonathan B. Hall, FAGO, ChM, Committee on Professional Certification Location: Hyatt Regency - Courtland This workshop will explain the new Achievement Awards and trace the path of a new organist on his or her journey through this program.

Presented by: Rachel Laurin, June Nixon, Barbara Portman Location: Hyatt Regency - Courtland Three well-known and highly respected composers share insights into their compositional processes, inspirations for their works, and thoughts about writing for the organ.