After first organ training with Hilmar Grønner at the age of 11 and a first exam at the Oslo conservatory in Oslo (1912) Arild Sandvold studied piano with Karl Nissen and composition with Gustav Lange. Since 1917 he taught organ at the conservatory and went to Leipzig (1921-22) for further studies with Karl Straube, Paul Graener and Rudolf Teichmüller. Besides several other obligations as an organist in Oslo he became the organist and principal cantor at “Vår Frelsers kirke” (today the Oslo Cathedral) in 1933. Furthermore, he worked as a choral conductor and composer, was active as chairman in the Norwegian Music Teachers’ Association (1930-36 and 1946-52) and the Norwegian Organists’ Association (1935-57) and became one of the most influential teachers for organ and liturgical singing in Norway.
