Initial Contact

Most often those interested in our services hear about Patrick J. Murphy & Associates through personal contact with our current clients or from our ads in organ trade magazines. Usually it is the organist, pastor, music director, or chairperson of the organ committee who makes the initial contact by telephone or email. Sometimes, if a client has contracted consultants or architects, we may hear from them.

This first contact is very important because we begin to form a relationship that may last for years. Sometimes potential clients will feel as though they don’t know the right questions to ask; they may be confident when asking about a new organ, but may be confused about what it means to renovate, rebuild, or restore an existing instrument. We make it a point to listen carefully, ask questions, and provide appropriate answers.

Clients ask us if we can provide an estimate of the cost and scope of the work. We generally suggest that we first visit the church, chapel, or venue to look at the existing organ or the space in which a completely new organ will eventually be housed.

Evaluating the Instrument

During the first visit, Patrick Murphy will personally spend time diagnosing the physical condition and state of the organ–because he is a practicing organist, he will play the instrument to get a sense of its tonal qualities. Pat often spends one to two hours during this initial visit. It’s not necessary to schedule a full meeting with the entire organ committee for this visit. He generally prefers to evaluate the instrument at this first visit and then at a later time, meet with the committee.

Initial Discussion

After the initial evaluation Patrick Murphy will set up a time to meet with those who have artistic and financial responsibilities for the project. This is your opportunity to express your thoughts about the scope of the proposed project.

Pat may ask you about the primary use of the instrument–is it to accompany the congregation on Sunday mornings, to accompany a choir, or to provide a convincing interpretation of the organ literature? While the instrument may be used for all of these purposes, it’s often good to understand its primary role in your church. With guided questioning, Patrick will help you understand his role in helping you fulfill your goals and better understand your overall expectations. The goal of this meeting is to allow you the opportunity to explain your needs and the scope of the project, and then to determine how the solution will meet your needs.

Helping to Better Understand

You may ask us to provide you with examples of our work at other churches. Besides this Website, we can provide you with a copy of our brochure, newsletters, a DVD guided tour of our facilities, and from the Associated Pipe Organ Builders of America, a number of resources, including the building guidelines.