The RCO Schools Community brings together RCO Accredited Institutions, RCO Accredited Teachers and schools participating in our Organs in Schools programme.
It connects those teaching and encouraging young organists with resources, practical support and opportunities from across the Royal College of Organists. Whether you are introducing complete beginners to the instrument or helping experienced students prepare for further study, the community offers ideas and information to support your work.
Our termly email newsletter, RCO Schools, brings together news and opportunities relevant to schools, teachers and their students, including:
We also encourage feedback, questions and suggestions, helping us share useful ideas and shape future support around the needs of schools and teachers.
“Organ workshops for school pupils have become second nature to us.... the RCO scheme has been transformative.” — Tom Daggett, Director of Music, Sheffield Cathedral
Through the Schools Community, we share information and engage teachers and schools in the development of resources to support a wide range of teaching needs, from first lessons to advanced study.
First Stop! is an accessible online gateway to the organ, bringing together films, lesson guides and learning tools for teachers, new learners and those introducing the instrument to wider audiences. It also provides free access to Fingers and Feet: A Journey to the Organ Bench, a tutor for learners taking up the organ as their first instrument, with accompanying short films.
iRCO, our online learning platform, offers films, articles, recordings and downloadable materials that together provide a unique resource for teachers and students alike, covering everything from repertoire, technique and musicianship to teaching technique and practice.
Through Schools Community we also raise awareness of, and student engagement with, the many courses, classes, events and performance opportunities that we organise for young organists.
The Organ Student Experience (TOSE) provides year-round opportunities for young organists up to the age of 19 to learn, meet other players and develop their confidence.
These include TOSE Week, our flagship residential course, and TOSE Community, an online programme for eligible RCO Student Members.
Organ Explorers, part of the RCO Summer Course, has been specially designed to welcome and nurture younger musicians over several days each summer.
And the RCO Young Performers series gives students opportunities to share their playing with public audiences on magnificent instruments in either the City of London or major venues in the North of England.
RCO Accreditation provides a structured framework for musical development that teachers, schools and colleges can recommend and support with confidence.
Through the RCO Schools Community, we work with our Accredited Teachers, Accredited Institutions and schools participating in the Organs in Schools programme to help them make the most of our qualifications and supporting resources.
From the Certificate of Accredited Membership (CAM) through to diploma qualifications, this framework can complement existing teaching programmes, graded examinations and school music curricula.
Benefits can include providing students with clear goals and progression; independent recognition of the strength of a teaching programme; developing broader musicianship in students; and encouraging independent learning through disciplined preparation, critical thinking and research, particularly at diploma level.
Regular updates for Schools Community members supplement and support our Accreditation Teacher Hub, which offers guidance on choosing appropriate qualifications, planning progression and supporting preparation, as well as practical information and teaching resources.
“The whole school was buzzing on the day [the organ] arrived – lessons gave way to watching it get wheeled into the school; kids’ noses pressed to the window during break and lunchtimes! I had two busy days with 17 pupils all having a first encounter and a lesson, and it’s been so thrilling for me to see the reaction as they walked in the room to see it.”— Adrian Marple, Cradlehall School, Inverness
RCO Schools Community comprises teaches, schools and other institutions taking part in one of three programmes.
To find out more about these programmes, and whether they might be suitable for your own institution or teaching practice, visit our pages on Accredited Teaching, <strong>Accredited Institutions, or Organs in Schools.
For any questions about RCO Schools Community, or to share ideas and news from your school or teaching practice, please email Madeline Smith, Director of Relationships.