SOPP769: Lately I have found myself repeating the same formulas in improvisation from week to week

SOPP769: Lately I have found myself repeating the same formulas in improvisation from week to week

From Secrets of Organ Playing Podcast by Secrets of Organ Playing

March 10, 2026 · 14 min

About this episode

In this episode, Vidas addresses a listener's concern about repetitive improvisation patterns in organ playing.

Welcome to Secrets of Organ Playing Podcast No. 769! This question was sent by Mark and he writes: Dear Vidas, Thank you for your podcast, which I have found very enlightening! My question has to do with improvisation. As a church organist, I have an opportunity to improvise at least once during every Sunday service. I've been working hard on improving my improvisation skills over the past two years, and I would call myself a capable improviser. But lately I have found myself repeating the same formulas from week to week (often “Rule of the Octave” or Romanesca progressions, which my hands fall into very easily). Any advice for breaking away from these familiar patterns and exploring new territory? Thanks, Mark (YT @GaluppiMusic)

People in this episode

Host: Vidas

Topics covered

  • improvisation
  • church organist
  • music theory
  • musical patterns
  • skill development

Keywords

  • improvisation skills
  • Rule of the Octave
  • Romanesca progressions
  • breaking patterns
  • exploring new territory

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: Secrets of Organ Playing Podcast No.

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