Free Open Day for Young Organists at Salisbury Cathedral

Wednesday, 7 January 2026 12:15

Salisbury Cathedral’s PipeUp Scheme is holding a free open day on Saturday 14th February for young organists and keyboard players aged 8 to 19 years.

The day will be a great opportunity to see and hear the Cathedral’s famous Father Willis organ, demonstrated by David Halls, the Director of Music, and John Challenger, Assistant Director of Music. Those attending will be encouraged to bring a short piece of music to play on the organ, guided by David and John, while family and friends will be able to see and hear what’s happening up in the organ loft on a large video screen.

The PipeUp Open Day is aimed at young people aged 8 to 19 who are interested in learning more about playing the organ. Some piano or keyboard experience is helpful, though not essential.

The PipeUp Scheme provides a network of trained organ teachers covering many parts of Wiltshire and Dorset who are ready to train young people to play the church organ. Funded through the Mrs R P Tindall Charitable Trust, lessons are subsidised to help minimise the cost to parents and encourage new players. The scheme has been running since 2004 and was formerly managed by the Diocese of Salisbury. Over its twenty years, many young organists have received training, and several now play regularly in parish churches. Most have achieved the higher exam grades of the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music, and two are now Associates of the Royal College of Organists.

David Halls, Director of Music at Salisbury Cathedral and Chair of the Salisbury and District Organists’ Association, said, “The Cathedral’s PipeUp Scheme enables young musicians to learn the organ and gain experience playing the instrument.

"I am delighted to be involved in this event as it gives me the chance to meet young musicians and do my bit to encourage them to work at and enthuse about ‘the king of instruments’. I hope that our young guests will enjoy this opportunity to play the Cathedral organ and take their musical skills and enthusiasms to their own local churches.”

The PipeUp Open Day takes place on Saturday 14 February from 11am-2pm. To find out more, or to book a place at the Open Day, visit the Cathedral website at www.salisburycathedral.org.uk