RCO in London and Cambridge for flagship summer events

The Royal College of Organists has announced details of its two flagship summer events, offering inspirational teaching, outstanding instruments and unique social experiences for any organist.

The ever-popular RCO Academy Summer Course for Organists, based at St Giles Cripplegate Church in the City of London, is always a landmark event in the organ calendar.

Taking place from 4th to 9th August, it welcomes up to 75 organists of all standards for a mix of masterclasses, informal learning groups, concerts, workshops, visits and daily services – more than 70 separate group events plus the individual lessons and daily access to practice organs.

This course is known by its many regular attendees as ‘the big event with the personal touch’ because it combines the social opportunities and fun of a major group event with a high level of personal tuition, encouragement and one-to-one attention.

With seven levels of study and a range of 25 organs available for practice, tuition and performance, the event is suitable for any organist, whether beginner, church organist, self-taught, examination candidate or recreational player.

For 2014, student recitals during the course will feature in the RCO’s anniversary 150 for 150 Recital Challenge.

Meanwhile in Cambridge, The Organ Scholar Experience (TOSE) will run from 29th July to 3rd August. This event is tailored specifically for teenagers preparing for, or considering, organ scholarships at universities, cathedrals and churches.

TOSE will be based at Trinity College, Cambridge, including access to the celebrated Metzler organ. Students will be able to experience something of scholar’s life, and prepare through inspirational classes on repertoire, technique, accompanying, conducting, improvisation and keyboard skills.

Among the teachers will be Oliver Brett, Henry Fairs, Daniel Moult, Anne Page and Graham Ross.

RCO Academy Director Simon Williams said: “In the middle of a year full of 150th anniversary events, these two flagship course will again highlight so much of what we have to celebrate.

"Together they do so much to ensure that there are outstanding opportunities for anyone hoping to use their summer break to improve their playing, find new inspiration, or to prepare themselves for the next stage of their musical journey.”