Thanks to all who have responded to my inquiry about Ethel's foot technique.
I studied pipe organ for a bit in college.... the Hammond to my instructors
was not even worthy of their considering it an organ.. but I love both...
pipes, theater organs and especially the Hammond. I haven a 1961 C3 in my
home.

Thanks again!
Chuck

In a message dated 10/28/2006 5:40:36 P.M. Central Daylight Time,
dougandmarie@... writes:




Ethel Smith was, first of all a classically trained organist and in her
Hammond Organ Course, which we used away back in the late 50s, she
taught classical organ. Which meant that both feet were used on the bass
pedals, when required. Unfortunatly I did not have the privilege of
hearing her in person, although I met and heard most of the other great
organists of that period, Dick Leibert, who was a pain in the butt,
Porter Heaps, Eddie Layton, and wonderful Jackie Davis, all of whom were
great people, as well as great organists. We had Eddie Layton with us on
3 different occasions, once in Ottawa, in Winnipeg and in Brandon
Manitoba. We used Miss Smith's organ course in two of the Hammond
Studios, that I was involved with, and it was a very effective course.
It did however really need a teacher who was also classically trained,
in order to get the most out of it for the student. A good organist,
trained on AGO pedal clavier, should be able to use both feet, and
whatever footwear is most comfortable. No shoes, however is a NO NO! I
have never met a classical organist who did not wear shoes when
playing. I believe Carlos will agree with me on this. Hope this helps,
Chuck! Cheers, old Doug in BC (1926 vintage)








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