Demystifying Guild Exam Preparation:
Resources and Strategies for the Service Playing/Colleague Exams
1st Congregational Church Wauwatosa
Presenter: Mary Newton (DMA, CAGO)

The Guild Exams are a terrific way to strengthen the keyboard skills that organists use on a regular basis in their church work.  However preparing for them may present some challenges when looking for resources and developing strategies for practicing the hymns, modulations, and other required elements.  This workshop will focus on resources, methods and other practical tips for the Service playing and Colleague exam preparation.

Ms. Newton is the Music Director and Principal Organist at St. Stephen’s Catholic Church in Anoka, MN. She holds a BA degree in Music from Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, MN, a Master's in Church Music degree from Concordia University Chicago in River Forest, IL, and a DMA in organ performance from the University of Minnesota. Ms. Newton is very active in the American Guild of Organists. She is the student competition coordinator for the Twin Cities annual organ competition and also served on the national competition committee.
Additionally, she has also written articles for “The American Organist” and the “Clavier Companion.”