7 Years in the Making: Overcoming Failure and Working Towards My Goal

I am excited to share my story about my upcoming attempt at the American Guild of Organists (AGO) Fellowship exam this summer.

For those who are unfamiliar with the AGO Fellowship program, it is a comprehensive examination that tests a candidate's knowledge, skills, and experience in a variety of areas related to organ playing, musicianship, and service to the AGO and the musical community.

Candidates must first pass the AGO's Colleague and Associate exam before attempting the Fellowship exam.

Each level gets progressively more difficult.

1. Colleague Exam

2. Associate Exam

3. Fellow Exam

This journey started in my undergraduate degree program at the Cleveland Institute of Music. Todd Wilson, my teacher, encouraged our whole organ studio to take the AGO exams.

In 2016, I passed the Colleague exam in Cleveland, Ohio.

Then in 2019, I passed the Associate Exam in Charlotte, NC.

Last year, I took both section 1 and section 2 of the Fellowship exam in Orlando, Florida. I successfully passed section 1, unfortunately, I did not pass a small part of section 2.

At first, I was disappointed by my failure. I had worked tirelessly to prepare for the exam, and I felt like I had let myself down. However, I quickly realized that failure is not the end. Instead, it is an opportunity to learn from our mistakes, grow, and come back even stronger.

With that in mind, I am excited to announce that I will be retaking section 2 of the AGO Fellowship exam this summer, this time in the vibrant city of Los Angeles. I am confident that I have learned from my mistakes and that I will be more than prepared to tackle the exam this time around.

This Is What I Need To Know

First Session, 3½ hours allowed

• F7: Counterpoint (20 points)

  • Candidates should be prepared to write brief examples of counterpoint in 16th-century style, typically in the form of an incomplete choral score.

• F8: Fugue (15 points)

  • The candidate may be asked to write the exposition of a fugue in four voices on a given subject for string quartet. The candidate will be expected to supply a regular, recurring countersubject in invertible counterpoint. Additional elements of fugal structure may be requested. Skilled handling of all contrapuntal techniques is expected.

• F9: Essay (15 points)

  • Write an essay on one of three given topics concerning the life and music of J.S. Bach.

Second Session, 3½ hours allowed

• F10: Ear tests (15 points)

  • (A) Write down from dictation a short passage in four parts, for which the key and time signature will be provided and the tonic chord played.

  • (B) Write down from dictation a short passage of two-part counterpoint, for which the key and time signature will be provided and the tonic chord played. Test A will be played five times, Test B four times. One minute maximum is allowed between each playing.

• F11: Orchestration (15 points)

  • Demonstrate knowledge of the capabilities of orchestral instruments, the craft of orchestration, and the historical stylistic use of the orchestra through the transcription of a brief passage for orchestra or ensemble, and/or the reduction of an orchestral score for performance on the organ.

• F12: Composition (20 points)

  • Write a composition for unaccompanied voices on a given text. The length will be specified. Imaginative use of the tools of composition will be expected.

My Fellowship Results From 2021

At least 50% on each individual item and 70% total score is needed to pass.

I failed section F-8 with 5.5 out of 15 possible points awarded.

Needless to say, I will be studying up on my fugues!

You Don’t Fail If You Don’t Give Up

In conclusion, I want to share a message of inspiration with anyone who may be struggling with their own failures. It is important to never give up on your goals, even when things get tough. Remember that failure is not the end, but an opportunity to grow and become stronger. And if you stumble along the way, use that as motivation to come back even stronger.

I hope my story can inspire you to keep pushing towards your own goals, no matter what challenges may come your way.

Thank you for reading, and I wish you all the best on your own personal journeys toward success!

Kindly,

Garrett