Author Archives: Laura Wilson

For teenaged organists:

The Organ Student Experience (TOSE) Week
23–28 July, Oxford

An essential course for organists of grade 7+ level. Directed by Daniel Moult, if offers tuition in repertoire, technique, keyboard musicianship and choral directing and accompanying. An early booking discount is available until the end of February and bursaries are offered. Ideal for any young organist, especially those preparing for or considering university or cathedral/church organ scholarships, or study at a conservatoire. Full details and online booking at www.rco.org.uk/events/TOSE24 (For those for whom these dates are not convenient we also have our Summer Course in London 29 July–3 August, https://conference.rco.org.uk/)  

TOSE-in-a-Day
Saturday 16 March, London
Many of the TOSE Week ingredients packed into one day for organists of grade 5 level and above using the organs of St Lawrence Jewry and St Michael Cornhill churches in the City of London. Tuition led by Daniel Moult and Simon Williams. Full details and online booking are available at www.rco.org.uk/events/t-in-a-d (this event is fully booked – email events@rco.org.uk to be added to the waiting list).

The Organ Student Experience (TOSE) Community
New this academic year, TOSE Community offers all teenaged RCO Student Members, regardless of level of experience, the opportunity to meet online twice termly. The hour-long meetings are hosted by Tom Bell and Cathy Lamb with interviews and presentations from leading and emerging professional organists. Details of the next meeting can be found at www.rco.org.uk/events/TC4 and information on the benefits of RCO Membership and how to join can be found at https://www.rco.org.uk/joining_rco.php. Please note that those learning with RCO Accredited Teachers are entitled to join the RCO at the Affiliate Student Member rate. This offers all the benefits of regular Student Membership but at half the cost. Click the link for details of membership benefits and to join online https://www.rco.org.uk/joining_rco.php  

For all organists:

RCO Summer Course for Organists
29 July-3 August, London
An unmissable week for organists of all ages and stages directed by Drew Cantrill-Fenwick. The programme includes repertoire tuition in graded Organ Studios, a variety of Skills classes to choose from, talks, individual lessons, practice time, the chance to play in student concerts and daily services and more. Visit https://conference.rco.org.uk/ for full details and to book your place. An early-bird discount on the tuition fees is available until the end of March. Please note that those aged under 18 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

An organist/pianist is urgently required for the annual memorial service for bereaved relatives on Sunday 10 December 2023 which takes place at Warburton’s Funeral Service chapel, which is located in Todmorden.

The organist plays suitable music while people arrive from about 3.30pm and the service starts at 4.00pm and is usually very well attended.

Service music required:  generally 4 well known Christmas carols plus a reflective piece while people light candles. Organists need to take all their own music –  including a hymn book. The electronic instrument has 2 offset short manuals, a variety of different voices and some pedals offset to the left. It is best suited to simple pieces and it is advisable to get there early to experiment with settings.

If you require further details or to discuss the fee, please contact Michelle in the office on 01706 813329 or email frlwarburtons@funeralservicesltd.co.uk.

For further information on this upcoming competition, click here.

This newly built organ is now ready to find its new home. See below for the details:

Newly built 3 stop continuo organ. Made of solid oak and oak veneered MDF. 

The keyboard is a Fatar TP6. 

The control panel to the left has 3 drawstops and controls for volume and transposing. 

Computer and speakers are inside. 

The unit is designed to be portable, without dismantling, and should fit in most cars. It is currently running Hauptwerk, ideal for someone who already has a Hauptwerk licence on an iLok dongle, though with a little reconfiguration, it could run the same sample set using Grandorgue instead. The sample set allows for the stops to be 8,4,2 or 8,4,4 as required. 

If you are interested, please contact Paul on info@nottinghammidiorgans.co.uk

Please click here for more information about a Viscount Grand Opera Rondo Domus 1332 organ that is currently in Sheffield, West Yorkshire but looking for a new home.

Click here for further information about an online event hosted by the Society of Women Organists.

TOSE-in-a-Day moves north to the wonderful and easily accessible city of York. Teenage organists of grade 5 level and above will receive tuition from renowned players and teachers Cathy Lamb and Tom Bell.

What you can expect from this day
Two sessions of repertoire and technique coaching on Baroque and later music
Keyboard musicianship coaching in skills such as sight reading, transposition and score reading
A session on hymn playing

Email events@rco.org.uk to be notified when booking opens.

In the first part of this class, Ian Hare will give an illustrated history of the organ voluntary, from its earliest beginnings to the present day. This important and interesting story is not often considered. Other questions Ian will address are: What is the role of the organ in church services today? How does one choose the right music? What part do differing styles of music play in making these choices?

For the second part of the session, bring a short piece you plan to play at church. Ian will offer feedback on your playing, and a discussion of your choice of voluntary.

Further details and booking can be found here.