Orgelkids is an international educational project which aims to give young people an introduction into the pipe organ... by building one! This page is the home of the UK branch of Orgelkids.
The Orgelkids project designed a 'flat pack' organ which can be built and played by young people. It's great fun and facilitates exploration into all manner of subjects including mathematics, acoustics, design, engineering and of course, music!
Although the title of the project refers to 'kids', these kits are appropriate for use with all ages. Recent successes include workshops with college students studying A Level Design and Technology, a Sixth Form Engineering Club, and with community groups including adults.
The project originated in the Netherlands, but now we know of two Orgelkids kit organs here in the UK. If you're interested in arranging a workshop using one of these kit organs, please use the links below to make contact with the owners and providers of the workshops.
The Inspiration Trust acquired an Orgelkids kit organ in 2020, from the original makers in the Netherlands, and has offered workshops in its schools ever since. The trust's Director of Music, John Stephens, is an experienced organist and educator and is available to bring the organ to your location and to lead workshops with your groups and classes. The trust is based in Norfolk, but workshops can be arranged nationwide.
David Shuker, founder of 'Sign of the Pipe', has been working as an organ builder and repairer since 2009. He built an Orgelkids kit organ from plans provided by the Orgelkids project and now makes that instrument available for hire and educational workshops. He also makes and supplies OrgelKids organs on request. David is based in Norfolk.