Your RCO event details can be found below.
Please note that the 24-hour clock is used on all event listings, with all times being GMT/BST. To book courses and classes, please follow the Book Online link wherever you see it, and email bookings@rco.org.uk or call 020 3865 6998 with any queries. Where events are free or not bookable online, please follow the instructions for that event.
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 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.
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 2. English organ music to c.1750—select composers
(you may prepare music by composers not listed here)
Music from the Robertsbridge Codex
John Redford
Thomas Preston
Thomas Tallis
William Byrd
John Bull
Orlando Gibbons
Thomas Tomkins
Christopher Gibbons
Matthew Locke
John Blow
Henry Purcell
William Croft
John Reading
Thomas Roseingrave
Maurice Greene
John James
George Frideric Handel
John Stanley
William Boyce
William Walond
James Nares
Thomas Arne
John Keeble
The Venue
St Botolph-without-Aldgate in the City of London is easily accessed by public transport and houses arguably the oldest surviving church organ in England dating from around 1704 and restored in 2005 to as close as possible to its original state. Click here for the specification.
Other classes in the series
1. The French Classical Organ School, 28 February 2026, St Marylebone Church, London NW1 5LT - click here for information
3. Italian organ music to Frescobaldi
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
Fee: Playing places: RCO members £85; £98 non-members
For RCO courses and classes, the following key is used as a guide to level and suitability:
Beginner (Grades 1-4)
Intermediate (Grades 4-6)
Advanced (Grades 6-8 / CRCO)
Diploma 1 (CRCO–ARCO)
Diploma 2 (ARCO–FRCO)