RCO launches new early-level certificate for organists

The RCO has launched a new early-level certificate scheme for organists.

The RCO Certificate of Accredited Membership (CAM) is designed to establish and develop fundamental skills and musicianship at the organ.

It offers organists a comprehensive developmental route from the foundation stage (roughly equivalent to ABRSM Grade 2) via the intermediate stage (around Grade 4) to the advanced stage (around Grade 6).

RCO Director of Studies Andrew McCrea said: “We believe the CAM scheme offers a distinct and valuable opportunity for both fledgling and long-standing organists to benchmark their skills.

“CAM can be viewed as either a self-contained system of accreditation or as a stepping stone towards the RCO’s diplomas.

“Ultimately it will form part of a much wider personal and professional development (PPD) programme we are developing to support organists of all ages through every stage of their musical lives.”

Each stage of the CAM scheme requests the performance of three solo pieces and asks the player to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the repertoire performed through supporting programme notes. Stages 2 and 3 also request the performance of an accompaniment.

Applications for assessment in this scheme can be submitted on a rolling basis, and assessment options include the submission of audio-visual material or assessment at an examination centre. For AV submissions both pipe and digital organs may be used.

Applicants will be free to commence the scheme at any stage, and do not need to be a member of the RCO – although CAM applicants who are not yet College members will be eligible to join at a discounted rate for their first year.

For more details of CAM and the College’s full accreditation programme, visit www.rco.org.uk/examinations_qualifications.php