Log InSign Up

10 Organist Interview Questions (With Example Answers)

It's important to prepare for an interview in order to improve your chances of getting the job. Researching questions beforehand can help you give better answers during the interview. Most interviews will include questions about your personality, qualifications, experience and how well you would fit the job. In this article, we review examples of various organist interview questions and sample answers to some of the most common questions.

Organist Resume ExampleUse this template

or download as PDF

Common Organist Interview Questions

What led you to pursue a career as an organist?

There are a few reasons why an interviewer might ask this question. One reason is to get a sense of the organist's motivation for pursuing a career in music. This can help the interviewer understand the organist's dedication to the craft and whether they are likely to stick with it for the long haul. Additionally, the answer to this question can provide insight into the organist's musical background and training. For example, if the organist has studied with renowned teachers or participated in prestigious competitions, this would be beneficial for the interviewer to know. Finally, the answer to this question can give the interviewer a glimpse into the organist's personality and what makes them tick. This can be helpful in determining whether the organist would be a good fit for the particular job or not.

Example: “I have always loved music, and the organ is my favorite instrument. I love the way it sounds and the way it can fill a room with its beautiful music. I also love the challenge of playing the organ, and I enjoy working hard to perfect my craft.”

What are some of the most important skills that an organist must possess?

An interviewer may ask "What are some of the most important skills that an organist must possess?" to a/an Organist in order to better understand what skills are necessary for the position. This question is important because it allows the interviewer to gauge whether the candidate has the necessary skills for the job. Additionally, it allows the interviewer to get a sense of the candidate's level of experience and knowledge.

Example: “The most important skills that an organist must possess are:

1. A good ear for music: An organist must be able to identify notes by ear and be able to play them on the instrument.

2. Good sight-reading skills: An organist must be able to read sheet music and follow along with the score.

3. Good finger dexterity: An organist must have nimble fingers in order to play the fast passages often found in organ music.

4. Good stamina: An organist must be able to sit for long periods of time and maintain focus while playing.”

What are some of the challenges that you face as an organist?

There are a few reasons why an interviewer might ask this question to an organist. One reason is to get a sense of what the organist's day-to-day work is like and what challenges they regularly face. This can help the interviewer understand what it is like to be an organist and what skills and qualities are necessary for the job. Additionally, this question can help the interviewer gauge the organist's level of experience and expertise. By understanding the challenges that organists face, the interviewer can better assess whether the organist is qualified for the position.

Example: “Organists often face the challenge of finding music that is appropriate for both the venue and the occasion. They must also be able to sight-read music, transpose it into different keys, and improvise when necessary. Additionally, they must be able to work with other musicians and conductors in order to create a cohesive performance.”

What is your favorite thing about being an organist?

An interviewer might ask "What is your favorite thing about being an organist?" to get a sense of what motivates the organist and what they enjoy about their job. This can be important in determining whether the organist is a good fit for the organization and whether they are likely to be satisfied in their position. It can also help the interviewer understand what the organist values and how they view their work.

Example: “There are many things that I enjoy about being an organist. I love the challenge of playing the organ and trying to get the most out of its unique capabilities. I also enjoy the opportunity to work with other musicians and collaborate on creating beautiful music. Additionally, I really appreciate the history and tradition of the organ, and the opportunity to share that with others through my playing.”

What is the most rewarding thing about being an organist?

The most rewarding thing about being an organist is being able to share your passion for music with others. As an organist, you have the ability to create an emotional connection with your audience through your playing. This is an important skill to have, as it allows you to connect with people on a deeper level and share your love of music with them.

Example: “There are many rewarding things about being an organist. One of the most rewarding things is the opportunity to share your passion for music with others. As an organist, you have the ability to touch people's lives in a very special way. You can bring joy to people through your music, and you can also help them to feel closer to God. Another rewarding aspect of being an organist is the opportunity to travel and see new places. You can meet new people and learn about different cultures when you travel to perform or give concerts.”

What is the most challenging thing about being an organist?

The interviewer is trying to understand what the most challenging thing is for the organist so that they can better understand what the job entails. This is important because it helps the interviewer to determine if the organist is up for the challenge and if they are a good fit for the position.

Example: “There are several challenges that come with being an organist. One of the most challenging things is having the ability to sight-read music. This means being able to look at a piece of sheet music and play it correctly on the first try. This can be difficult because there is a lot of information to take in at once, and it can be easy to make mistakes. Another challenge is being able to play complex pieces of music. This requires a lot of skill and practice, and it can be difficult to perfect. Additionally, playing the organ can be physically demanding, as it requires the use of both hands and feet. This can be challenging for those who are not used to using all of their limbs at once.”

What are some of the things that you enjoy doing outside of your work as an organist?

The interviewer is trying to get to know the organist as a person, not just as a musician. It is important to know what someone enjoys doing outside of work because it can give you a better understanding of what motivates them and what they value. Additionally, it can help you determine whether they would be a good fit for your organization.

Example: “I enjoy spending time with my family, friends, and pets. I also enjoy hiking, biking, swimming, playing the piano, and listening to music.”

What do you think sets you apart from other organists?

There are many reasons why an interviewer might ask this question. They may be trying to gauge whether the organist has a clear understanding of their own skills and how they compare to other organists. This question may also be used to assess whether the organist is confident in their abilities and has a healthy sense of self-competition. Additionally, the interviewer may be looking for qualities that they feel are essential for the position they are trying to fill. Ultimately, it is important for the interviewer to get a sense of who the organist is as a person and how they think about their place in the world of organists.

Example: “I believe that my experience, creativity, and passion for music sets me apart from other organists. I have been playing the organ for over 10 years and have a vast repertoire of music to choose from. I am also a very creative person and enjoy coming up with new ways to play the organ. My passion for music is what drives me to be the best organist I can be.”

What do you think are the benefits of being an organist?

There are several potential benefits to being an organist that the interviewer may be interested in. These benefits could include the opportunity to work with a variety of people, to learn new musical styles, or to develop one's own musical skills. Additionally, being an organist could provide a sense of satisfaction from helping to lead worship services or from providing music for other special occasions. Ultimately, the benefits of being an organist will vary depending on the individual and what they hope to gain from the experience.

Example: “The benefits of being an organist are many and varied. As a musician, you get to experience the joy of making music and bringing people together through song. You also get to develop your skills as a performer and learn how to work with a variety of musical styles. If you choose to work as a church organist, you can have a profound impact on people's lives, helping them to connect with their spirituality and providing them with comfort and solace. In addition, being an organist can be a highly rewarding career, both financially and in terms of job satisfaction.”

What do you think are the best things about being an organist?

There are a few reasons why an interviewer might ask this question. First, they may be trying to get a sense of what the organist enjoys about their job. This can help the interviewer understand what motivates the organist and what they find most rewarding about their work. Additionally, the interviewer may be interested in learning more about the organist's skills and abilities. By asking about the best things about being an organist, the interviewer can get a sense of what the organist believes they are good at and what they enjoy most about their job. Finally, the interviewer may be trying to gauge the organist's level of experience and expertise. By asking about the best things about being an organist, the interviewer can get a sense of how long the organist has been playing and what they believe to be the most challenging and rewarding aspects of their job.

Example: “There are many great things about being an organist. One of the best things is that you get to play a wide variety of music. You can play classical pieces, as well as more contemporary pieces. You also get to play a variety of genres, including pop, rock, and jazz. Another great thing about being an organist is that you can play for a variety of occasions, including weddings, funerals, and concerts. You also have the opportunity to travel and perform in different venues.”