Through the RCO Academy programme and the online iRCO platform, the College provides training and support for all organists and choral directors, be they students, amateur musicians, or experienced professionals working in church, concert hall, college or classroom.
The majority of RCO Academy classes, events and courses are open to both members and non-members, with members benefitting from discounted attendance fees. The resources on iRCO are entirely free-of-charge for members, with some available for guest purchase. Click to read more about joining the RCO.
The RCO Academy programme has been developed by the College to:
The College works to ensure the availability of high quality individual organ tuition across the UK, both through the RCO’s own teacher accreditation scheme, and through a series of carefully selected strategic partnerships with national and local organisations and initiatives. Click to explore our Find a Teacher service, or to find out more about RCO Accredited Institutions.
Classes, usually lasting three hours and limited to six active participants, provide in-depth stand-alone learning opportunities as well as being an ideal supplement to individual lessons. To check for available classes, visit our Event Listings page.
The RCO Academy Summer Course for Organists takes place annually in London offering a flexible programme of study for beginners though to advanced players, including church organists and those preparing for examinations. TOSE Week for teenagers is the pinnacle of our The Organ Student Experience programme (see below). Visit our Event Listings page for details and booking for both courses (typically December/January onwards).
The College offers extensive learning and support for young musicians through The Organ Student Experience (TOSE) programme.
TOSE Community is a year-round programme of online meetings open free of charge to all RCO student members up to the age of 19 from beginner level upwards.
TOSE-in-a-Day events are designed to stimulate players of grade 5 level and above, whilst TOSE Week, held annually, is our flagship residential course for young organists of grade 7 level and above. TOSE Week in particular is ideal for those who are preparing for or considering organ scholarships at university or in cathedrals, or auditioning for study at a conservatoire, as well as those simply wishing to experience inspirational teaching in repertoire, keyboard musicianship and choral directing and accompaniment.
The RCO Scottish Churches Organist Training Scheme (RCO SCOTS) exists to find and encourage emerging organists in Scotland, as well as to help those already in post, through a programme designed to develop their gifts, skills and understanding. Click to read more about RCO SCOTS.
The RCO offers a wide range of digital learning opportunities including online events, classes, webinars and films.
Much of our digital material can be found on iRCO, an online content hub containing a large and constantly growing body of learning materials for organists and choral directors of every age, level of attainment and ambition. iRCO is fully responsive and searchable to meet the needs of every user. It is open to members and guest users alike. Alongside a selection of free material is a substantial body of premium content available free of charge to RCO members or by payment for guest users.
Typical of the learning resources on iRCO are:
iRCO also contains a dedicated online magazine (StopPress) with editorial dedicated to the organ world and the work of the RCO. Click to read more about accessing iRCO and visit Event Listings for details of any forthoming webinars.
If you have a question about any of our events, courses or classes, please email the College at events@rco.org.uk.
If you have a question about iRCO, email irco@rco.org.uk.
For all other enquiries, please email admin@rco.org.uk.