Membership in the American Guild of Organists is primarily through local chapters, although it can also be without chapter affiliation. The AGO provides a wealth of benefits and opportunities under the guidance of national, regional, and local officers--all of them volunteers.
Educational Activities
- National and Regional Conventions
- Chapter Events: performances, workshops, meetings, and seminars
- Competitions in organ performance, improvisation, and composition
- Pipe Organ Expos for youth and adults
Certification
A comprehensive series of examinations for professional certification, providing standards of excellence to churches, synagogues, schools, and other employers.
- Service Playing (SPC)
- Colleague (CAGO)
- Choir Master (ChM)
- Associate (AAGO)
- Fellow (FAGO)
Professional Development
- Compensation Guidelines
- Employment Guidelines and Model Contracts
- Chapter Placement Services
- Assistance with denominational relationships
- Support for musical education of clergy
- Management and planning for church and temple musicians
Publications
- THE AMERICAN ORGANIST Magazine, published monthly by the AGO, is the most widely read journal devoted to organ and choral music in the world.
- Chapter newsletters, such as our Suffolk Soundings
- Educational brochures, pamphlets, audio and video cassettes, and books available at AGO Headquarters
Other Benefits
- Free admittance to many local chapter events
- Discounts on AGO convention registrations fees, educational resources and other benefits
- AGO Group Insurance see (www.agohq.org/membership) for more details.
Ready to Join? The membership year runs from July '08 to June '09. You may join as a new member at any time during the year. To obtain a membership form you can click here and print out the form, or you may contact our Registrar, Eleanor Gould. (To e-mail Eleanor, click here.)