Current RCO classes are listed below. All players are welcome, regardless of age or aspiration: you don’t have to be a member of the RCO, or be having lessons with an RCO accredited teacher, to attend one of these classes.
Most sessions are limited to 6 active participants to maximise hands-on tuition; when a class is full we may sometimes take observers, hold a waiting list or run a second event (either the same day or at a later date), depending on circumstances. Observers pay a greatly reduced fee: click on the Book Online button for the relevant class to see what this is.
Scheduled classes can be booked online by following the Book Online links beneath each event. Anyone not wanting to book online should telephone our Bookings Department on 05603 488231.
If you have a question about these classes, please e-mail the College at courses@rco.org.uk
Please note times (the 24-hour clock is used).
In this series of ten classes spread over three years, acclaimed performer, teacher and scholar Richard Brasier will explore the various stylistic and historical issues associated with performing European organ repertoire. In addition to learning about the historical background, students will engage with period practices and present repertoire of their choice.
Venues have been carefully chosen for the suitability of their organs. You can book for as many or as few classes as you wish as they become available on this website. These classes are ideal for those preparing for performance-based exams and for anyone who simply wishes to improve their knowledge. Please note the change of venue from St Mark's Church, Regent's Park to St James' Church, Clerkenwell.
Five places for players are available. Once four of these have been booked four observer places will be made available. Those booking as players will have 30 minutes each at the console. They should prepare repertoire relevant to the class—we suggest one longer piece or two contrasting shorter pieces with a total playing time of 7–8 minutes. Richard Brasier will also bring excerpts of pieces for players to try.
Class 3. Italian Organ Music to Frescobaldi
This class will use the Royal Academy of Music's 1763 Italian organ housed at St Mark's Church Regent's Park. Please note that this organ has a single manual and no pedals. Click here for further infortmation and the specification.
Suggested composers
Vincenzo Bellavere
Sperindio Bertoldo
Jacques Buus
Marc'Antonio Cavazzoni
Girolamo Cavazzoni
Giovanni de Macque
Girolamo Diruta
Giacomo Fogliano
Andrea Gabrieli
Giovanni Gabrieli
Luzzasco Luzzaschi
Ascanio Mayone
Claudio Merulo
Annibale Padovano
Girolamo Parabosco
Rocco Rodio
Giulio Segni
Antonio Valente
Claudio Veggio
Adrian Willaert
Girolamo Frescobaldi
Gaetano Greco
Tarquinio Merula
Pietro Domenico Paradisi
Bernardo Pasquini
Michelangelo Rossi
Giovanni Salvatore
Alessandro Scarlatti
Domenico Scarlatti
Bernardo Storace
Giovanni Maria Trabaci
Domenico Zipoli
The venue
Click here for travel information.
Click here for information about the organ which is based on 18th-century pipe work by G.P England.
Other classes in the series
4. Catholic Germany and Austria
5. The North German organ school
6. The organ music of J.S. Bach
7. Classical organ music
8. German organ music after 1800
9. French and Belgian organ music after 1800
10. British organ music after 1800
RCO members enjoy discounted rates for attending all RCO Academy classes, events and courses. Not yet a member? Join now and benfit from the lower price immediately. Click here to read about membership and to join online.
Fee: Playing places: RCO members £85; £98 non-members
All prices quoted are inclusive of VAT @ 20%