Karl Dorman Organist/Pianist

Visiting organist for Church Services, Weddings/Funerals/ Concerts & Accompanist for music exams

Fascinated by the “King of Instruments” from the days of being a probationer chorister at Rugby Parish Church, Karl’s life ambition was to own this sound world.

He was fortunate to have a skilled organ teacher, Arnold Pugh, who got around most repertoire on the large Forster and Andrews Organ in the stunning Butterfield Church. https://images.app.goo.gl/k199Qd3JKV2nbxfi8

Arnold was Director of Music at RPC from 1966 to 1997.

Arnold’s compositions/arrangements are published by Encore. He led a choir of men and boys who made two professional recordings (Abbey Recording Company Ltd.) broadcast and toured. Past boy choristers include the baritone Tom Bullard (King’s College Cambridge and the Swingle Singers) and Andrew Davey, a music teacher at Rugby School. There were notable commissions for the choir by Radcliffe, Sumsion, Vann, Bernard Rose and Sanders. Arnold’s ability and passion inspired Karl to start piano in order to develop essential technique to commence the organ. He assisted other young regional organists such as Jeremy Filsell and Christopher Betts (both have an international reputation). Karl was thrilled to have Technique and Analysis sessions with Jeremy whilst a student at the Royal Academy as part of his academic studies. Chris was Director of Music at St. Mary’s Warwick during Karl’s scholarship.

As a thank you to St. Andrew’s Rugby Karl recorded a “live” disc of Organ Favourites entitled “Organ Triumphans” in order that the recent organ restoration by Peter Spencer https://www.peterspencerpipeorgans.co.uk/ could receive a final grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Arnold’s Obituary RSCM Quarterly June 2019:

Arnold Pugh  made an invaluable contribution to the musical heritage of Rugby during his active life as a musician, composer, former Organist and Director of Music at Rugby Parish Church, freelance musician, teacher and resident of the town.

Born in a rural farming community in Canada in 1935, he moved to England and studied the organ with the late David Sanger, amongst other notable teachers. Arnold taught piano and organ at Rugby School, with pupils including Christopher Betts (improvisation), formally a resident musician at Washington National Cathedral in the USA.

Church music flourished at St Andrew's during his long tenure with several notable professional recordings, commissioned works from significant composers, broadcasts and choir tours both in the UK and abroad.

The many boy choristers and pupils taught by Arnold are grateful for his guidance and encouragement; a number have become professional musicians as well. This is a testimony to his inspiration, dedication, discipline and devotion to his art.

Are you looking for an organist for Church Services, Weddings, Funerals or Concerts?

Please contact for availability.

The Organ at St. Andrew’s Parish Church, Rugby