Gert van Hoef is a young Dutch organist of note. I am awed by Gert's talent! His YouTube channel of over 120 videos is a chronology of what can be done in four years of dedicated work.

Gert, who just turned 18, began playing and learned to read music just four years ago. This video is well worth watching, not only for Gert's playing, but also for the organ and the church's amazing acoustics:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=z1iNqv7edW0

The organ at the church Stephanuskerk at Hasselt, Netherlands was built in 1802. After some alterations, it was recently restored to it's original specifications, but with the addition of independent pedal ranks. The church was built in 1446, with the tower being rebuilt in 1752 after lightning caused a fire which destroyed the tower, along with the carillon and organ.

Gert's story - After the family bought a home organ, Gert began picking out tunes by ear. Within months, he took on the challenge of learning Bach's Toccata and Fugue in D minor by ear and by watching videos. It was at this time he posted his first video, and decided to learn to read music. Here is the Bach, played by ear, July 2008:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=zKmpm8S3lVg

Gert is currently organist at his church and is employed as a demonstrator by a digital organ company. He is planning to go to a conservatory for organ studies. Gert also does well at improvisation, as can be seen here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9VcruF4_pFQ