AVA145: If I do a high volume voluntary it may disturb people talking

Today’s question was sent by Michael and he writes: “Good morning Vidas. Thank you for your email and Organ tips. I do not know if it too late to reply to your email. To answer your two questions I will first of all explain my situation. I am Organist at St Lawrence’s Feltham Roman Catholic Church and I play at 3 Masses at the Weekend for which I receive a small stipend. I also play for Weddings and Funerals and Kingston and Hanworth Crematoriums to make ends meet. I am also playing for a Funeral Director’s Carol Service this year. My dream is to get better and better and maybe perform at a Recital. I am a keen pianist and I believe I have nearly mastered Chopin’s Etude No. 1 Op. 10, but also like J.S. Bach of course and other composers. ​ Unfortunately what holds me back from my dream is that I can only manage to practise on the Organ for about an hour a week in Church, and not loud pieces because the Presbytery is joined to the Church and people are working there. So I content myself trying to master the Trio sonatas and gentle pieces. I do try and practise sometimes The Finale from Vierne’s Symphony No. 1 at reduced volume and adapt other pieces that way for a closing voluntary as I have been informed that if I do a high volume voluntary it may disturb people talking. I have access to a Piano that my Mother and I bought. Also I have a bipolar disorder but this is controlled very well by medication, but I need to concentrate especially well when playing for services otherwise I could make a mistake, and I try and control my nerves. Thank you again for your emails and tips. All the best and God bless! Michael.”