RCO announces new community for teenage organists

The Royal College of Organists (RCO) has launched a new year-round programme of activity and support for teenage organists under the banner of TOSE Community.

TOSE Community is free to join for any teenage student member of the RCO, and will be based around regular twice-termly online forums.

Hosted by organist and animateur Cathy Lamb and the RCO’s Tom Bell, these sessions will cover everything from practice and playing tips to career advice and the latest news on events and opportunities.

Tom Bell explained: “TOSE Community is a logical progression for our established The Organ Student Experience – TOSE – programme.

“The TOSE residential course and supporting TOSE-in-a-Day event are hugely popular, providing a mix of inspiration and practical support for organists still at the early stage of their musical journey.

“With TOSE Community we are aiming to maintain that momentum throughout the year with sessions which are fun but informative, motivational and inspiring, and also an opportunity for young organists to spend time together, connect, and share experiences.”

Cathy Lamb’s roots are as an organist, having held organist scholarships at Salisbury Cathedral and Sidney Sussex College, Cambridge plus posts at Wells Cathedral, Christchurch Priory and Lichfield Cathedral. She continues to give recitals at many major venues across the UK, but is also increasingly well known as a teacher and choral animateur. As Director of Music Outreach at Lichfield Cathedral School she is responsible for co-ordinating MusicShare, a partner project between Lichfield Cathedral School and Lichfield Cathedral. www.cathylamborganist.co.uk

Tom Bell is a performer, educator and animateur. He has performed across Europe, in Australia, the Far East and the USA and earned a reputation as an innovator, collaborating with poets, dancers, visual artists and folk musicians. He regularly teaches on courses for young organists, and gives masterclasses internationally. Organist to the renowned Organworks project from 2007-2017, he continues his educational work as a Regional Director of the RCO. www.tombell-organist.net

TOSE Community will launch with an inaugural online session on Thursday 21 September. For more details, and to register interest in joining TOSE Community, student members of the College aged up to 19 years should visit www.rco.org.uk/events/TC1