Although the piano was Donald’s first instrument and remained his preferred means of expression, he was a fine organist, being awarded the Lafontaine prize for the highest number of marks for “Tests at the organ” in the Fellowship examination of the Royal College of Organists in July 1921.

The following extracts from the “Calendar of the RCO, 1921-22” provide a hint of the hardships endured by some candidates preparing for this examination, as well a reminder of  the severity with which critcism was customarily expressed by the examiners of the day.

Presided over by Dr. Charles Macpherson

Examiners' report - Fellowship organ playing