Electronics & Music Maker looks to the future by choosing projects that use up-to-date technology and features that inform its readers of the latest developments in electronics and electro-music.

Education in its broadest sense is therefore one of the key aspects of this magazine. It is also exciting that it will be read by teachers and pupils alike through its wide circulation in this country and many subscriptions abroad.

The Musical World of The Organ Master is a teaching course for the modern Electronic Organ. Two music books, two theory books and two chord posters provide the opportunity for beginners to acquire a knowledge of basic music theory whilst learning to play the organ. They will be suitable for many of the constructors of our popular Matinee organ who have little playing experience.

Music Book One starts with an introduction to the manuals and pedals of the organ. The first four tunes are written in 'Easy Play' notation and the remaining music is in normal 'Single Stave' with chord symbols. Many popular tunes illustrate the musical information and playing techniques introduced throughout the book, including arrangements in the keys of 'C', 'F' and 'G' You'll also find a tune arranged in two keys of music.

Music Book Two introduces Bass Pedal Rhythm Variations, with helpful illustrations preceding each tune. As in Book One, the 'Timing' is shown by oblique lines under the treble stave to represent the 'Beats in each Bar'. Two new keys of music, 'Bb' and 'D' are introduced and one arrangement is written with a change of key.

A special feature, which makes the Organ Master a complete self-teaching system, is the cross reference between the music and theory books. As each new item of musical information is introduced in the music books a reference is made to 'Suggested Reading' in the theory books, where a more detailed and fully illustrated explanation is given including Left Hand Chord formation, Right Hand Chords, Counter Melody and Bass Pedal sequences to name but a few.

Brenda Hayward has written the course as a result of her long experience in teaching music and has realised the difficulty that beginners experience when following established organ tutor books that do not teach traditional theory, but rely on colours, labels, shapes or numbers to get you started. The main problem here is that once you have played the set of books using a particular method you may not have enough knowledge to turn to other music in traditional notation.

Whilst modern electronic music performance on synthesisers does not always seem to require a good training in the fundamentals of musical theory, playing an electronic organ well certainly needs this requirement. Most music schools in the UK expect students to know their theory as well as their practical playing on orchestral instruments (and piano) and for classical (church) organ pupils, a level of Grade V Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music on piano and theory would be suitable preparation before even beginning to play the organ.

Most of us play the organ at home as a hobby and therefore do not want this kind of training - all we want to do is play well enough to enjoy all kinds of music. We'll keep you informed of new music courses and in the meantime the Organ Master will help you find all those intriguing left hand chords that make playing so much more interesting as well as giving you advice on right hand 'counterpoints' (adding extra melodies to the main tune) and solo playing.

Brenda Hayward will be teaching at the first National Home Electronic Organ Festival being held at Pontin's Tower Beach Holiday Camp, Prestatyn, North Wales, from the 29th August to 5th September 1981 (see Events).

The two music books, two theory books and two free chord posters are available as a complete box pack in this month's special offer. Individual books (price £2.50 each plus 5Op p&p) can be obtained from Organ Master Publications, (Contact Details). These publications can also be purchased from most organ dealers.