Churches reveal a huge shortage of new organists

Less than four per cent of church organists are under 30, a survey revealed
Almost half of churches that responded said that their organ player was over 70
The lack of organists means the congregation have to sing to recorded music

By Charlotte Dean For Mailonline

Published: 02:45 BST, 2 April 2018 | Updated: 02:45 BST, 2 April 2018

Churches have revealed a shortage of new organists forcing worshipers to sing along to recorded music.

Less than four per cent of church organists are under 30 suggesting that they could become a thing of the past.

Almost 50 per cent of the churches that responded to a recent survey said that their organ player was over 70.

Although 96 per cent of the churches that took part said they had a working organ there are just a lack of organists to play them.

Less than four per cent of church organists are under 30 suggesting that they could become a thing of the past

Less than four per cent of church organists are under 30 suggesting that they could become a thing of the past

Instead worshipers often have to sing along to music played over a PA system while the instrument ‘lays idle’, the Daily Telegraph reported.

Music and development director Richard Hubbard, who wrote the report, claimed that the lack of new musicians could be down to the fact you have to be at least grade five in piano to start lessons.

Therefore it requires dedication from the pupil as they also have to find access to an organ to practice on.

Some of the churches complained that backing tracks didn’t leave enough time between lines which made them rush through songs.

Instead worshipers often have to sing along to music played over a PA system while the instrument 'lays idle', the Daily Telegraph reported

Instead worshipers often have to sing along to music played over a PA system while the instrument ‘lays idle’, the Daily Telegraph reported

There is also a lack of togetherness if the congregation sign along to a PA system rather than a live musician.

The PA system is also designed for speech rather than music therefore it may not have quite the right effect.

However Reverend Sue Leathley, of St Mary’s Church in Mildenhall, Suffolk, said backing tracks were often better than the real thing.

She said: ‘We’ve got used to it now, so it’s OK.

‘There are some that have voices on them so it gives us a lead – we’ve got an organ with a choir or somebody leading [on the recording] and that is better than a single organ. It really helps us to sing together.