“I really do think (the organ) is on the upswing for traditional worship, and I think there will be a great reenergizing for the organ and organists,” he said. That comment jibes with consistent and recent statements by experts across the sacred music realm that the organ, after plateauing for a couple of decades, is on the upswing. Many congregations are refurbishing, upgrading or adding the instruments to their sanctuaries.

South Main Baptist Church organist Daryl Robinson is tearing it up in the music world, winning awards and dazzling venues both sacred and secular.

“Daryl brings freshness and excitement to the hymn singing” and “is equally strong accompanying ensembles of all sizes,” said Stephen Bedford, interim music director at the Houston church.

Robinson’s age, 29, also challenges the common assumption in church music that the church organ is extinct. He said many church members still appreciate what the organ brings to worship.

“I really do think (the organ) is on the upswing for traditional worship, and I think there will be a great reenergizing for the organ and organists,” he said.

That comment jibes with consistent and recent statements by experts across the sacred music realm that the organ, after plateauing for a couple of decades, is on the upswing. Many congregations are refurbishing, upgrading or adding the instruments to their sanctuaries.

Robinson said it’s happening just in time for a new generation of musicians who are drawn to the organ.

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At your age, are you a minority among other organists? 

Yes and no. There really are a lot of young people learning the organ and, even more so these days, there seems there is a lot more interest in undergraduate organ study. I think younger people are getting more and more interested in it. I’m doing a graduate degree at Rice (University) right now, and we have three undergrads who are 18 to 20.

Is it a myth that the organ is a dying instrument?

I really think that people — when they’re given the opportunity to be exposed to the organ — they are captivated by it…. It seems to me that contemporary worship has plateaued. More and more people are becoming re-interested in tradition.

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