November 29, 2025: Bridging the Organ and Piano Worlds: Playing Approaches for the Multi-Keyboardist

**THIS IS A FREE EVENT**

Do you consider yourself an organist or a pianist? Or, why not both?! Both the organ and piano are rooted in a shared musical tradition and method for training keyboardists and yet also each have their independent playing techniques and approaches. Through discussion led by guest speakers Ryan Baxter and Valerie Hall we will explore the interconnectivity between the piano and organ worlds and where these instruments differ in the areas of performance, pedagogy, practice, and playing technique. This is a great opportunity for keyboardists looking to broaden their understandings of one or both of these instruments, as well as teachers seeking inspiration around assisting students transitioning between organ and piano.

Ryan Baxter is a candidate in the Doctor of Musical Arts program at Western University, studying solo piano performance, and is Music Director and Organist at Rowntree Memorial United Church in London, Ontario. He also takes courses in Indigenous studies through Western’s Memegwaanh Indigenous Learning Honour program. Ryan enjoys performing as a pianist and organist, and has worked as a teaching assistant, collaborative pianist, piano and theory instructor, and festival adjudicator. His interests include keyboard pedagogy, instructional design, and ecomusicology. Ryan is currently on the executive for RCCO London Centre.

Valerie Hall has appeared in solo and collaborative musical roles across Canada as well as in the United States and Europe. A native of Winnipeg, she holds a Bachelor of Music in Organ Performance from the University of Manitoba and a Master of Church Music degree from Concordia University, River Forest, Illinois. A past national president and honorary Fellow of the Royal Canadian College of Organists (FRCCO), Valerie arrived in Regina in 2002 to take up the position of Organist at Holy Rosary Cathedral. She now enjoys a varied career as a touring concert artist on both organ and harpsichord, a soprano in the celebrated Ignite Chamber Choir and an instructor for both pipe organ and voice at the Conservatory of Performing Arts, University of Regina.