Short Courses in the UK 2010
The RSCM offers enjoyable and rewarding courses for all involved in music and singing in the church, for children, young people and adults of all abilities. These complement the RSCM's Voice for Life and Church Music Skills education programmes. The Church Music Skills programme in particular has been expanded for 2010 to include single day courses across the UK for organists and choir directors.
For help in choosing the right course for you, contact +44 (0)1722 424843 or education(at)rscm.com.
Please note that different booking arrangements and Terms & Conditions apply for different courses.
Training is also provided locally in the UK by the RSCM's Area Committees, and you can find details of forthcoming events on the area pages of this website. Courses are also available in other parts of the world - for more details go to the RSCM International websites.
You are most welcome to attend services and recitals given during the RSCM's 2010 summer courses in the UK. Details can be found below:
Young People's Courses
The RSCM is well known for its courses for young people, incorporating the ever-popular ingredients of a broad range of choral repertoire, vocal development, fun and friendship. These courses are an ideal complement to the Voice for Life programme, and build upon the training that choristers receive in their own choirs.
Download a copy of the brochure for Young People's Courses 2010 below:
 SPRING COURSE FOR YOUNG PEOPLE Director: Gordon Appleton |
Monday 5 – Thursday 8 April 2010 Sneaton Castle Centre, Whitby Price: £230 (£270) |
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 This course during Easter Week offers the popular combination of inspirational music-making and a great holiday. Gordon Appleton, experienced RSCM Course Director, leads a team of excellent staff, who provide separate tutorials for boys, girls and young altos, tenors and basses. The teaching is designed to develop individual voices within the context of learning choral music for daily services. Each House contributes its own music to the services as well as having the experience of singing in the full choir. The course will be at Sneaton Castle Centre again this year, in the picturesque seaside town of Whitby in Yorkshire. There will be chances to sing in the Sneaton Chapel and local churches, and time to explore the town. This course is designed for children and young people aged 10 to 17 years. A small number of bursaries are available - see information below. |
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 SUMMER COURSE FOR YOUNG PEOPLEDirector: Geoff Weaver |
Monday 23 – Sunday 29 August 2010 Kingswood School, Bath Price: £345 (£405) |
 Young people love returning to this course year after year, to enjoy music and friendship in the beautiful city of Bath. Kingswood School stands above the city, with a wonderful view towards Bath Abbey, where the participants have opportunities to sing during the course. Under the inspirational leadership of course director Geoff Weaver, an experienced and gifted team of tutors provides wide-ranging musical training, including care and development of the voice. Much of the teaching will be helpful to those who are following the Voice for Life training scheme, especially those preparing for awards. Daily services are held in Kingswood Chapel, and at the weekend the massed choir sings in Bath Abbey - always a thrilling experience. A wide range of music, set within diverse liturgies, provides musical and spiritual enrichment. Kingswood School has excellent facilities for the course participants to enjoy, and there are chances to explore the historic city of Bath. Accommodation is in small dormitories, and there is an experienced team of pastoral staff in each House. This course is designed for children and young people aged from 10 to 24 years. A small number of bursaries and two organ scholarships are available - see information below. |
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Booking
To apply for a place on the Young People's Courses, download the booking form below, print, complete a separate form for each applicant, and send with payment of the deposit to the address below. The booking form must be signed by a parent or guardian if the applicant is under 18 years of age.
NB: If you are a choir director/trainer applying for places on behalf of a group of choristers, please ensure that all the personal details are provided for each applicant.
RSCM Education, 19 The Close, Salisbury, SP1 2EB, UK
Bursaries
Some bursaries are available for students in full-time education and overseas participants.
For more information, contact the Education Administrator on +44 (0)1722 424843 or education(at)rscm.com.
Organ Scholarships
In addition to bursaries, the RSCM offers two organ scholarships for the Summer Course at Bath. Contact the Education Administrator on 01722 424843 or education(at)rscm.com for details, or download information from the link below. The closing date for applications is 14th May 2010.
Terms and Conditions
Please read carefully the terms and conditions on the back of the brochure or booking form.
Residential courses for church organists
Whether you are already a student registered on the Church Music Skills programme, or just keen to learn new techniques and build your confidence, come and study with us in one of these two beautiful cathedral cities.
This year our popular residential courses for organists will be led by two of our key Church Music Skills course tutors. Wide-ranging tutorials will provide an innovative approach to all aspects of organ technique for the church organist. They are designed for those who have just begun playing as well as for those with more experience who have been playing for some time.
Tuition will be given in small groups and topics covered will include use of stops and pedals, playing for services, new repertoire and improvisation. Participants will have the opportunity to play a variety of organs and the programme will include visits, seminars, recitals and free time to explore the medieval cities of Salisbury or York.
Whether you are just beginning your organ playing career or have many years of experience, you will find support, encouragement and expert teaching on our courses. Many students have found an immediate and noticeable improvement in their service playing; why not ask your church to help fund a course place for you?
Download a copy of the brochure for organist courses in 2010 below:
 SALISBURY COURSE FOR CHURCH ORGANISTS Director: Gerard Brooks |
Tuesday 6 – Friday 9 April 2010 Sarum College, Salisbury Cathedral Close Residential price: £440 (£510) En-suite: £45 supplement (subject to availability) Non-residential price: £350 (£425) |
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 We welcome Gerard Brooks as director of this year's Easter Week organ course. Gerard is Director of Music at Methodist Central Hall, and is also a concert organist, recording artist and teacher. He is a tutor with the St Giles International Organ School and also teaches the organ at Latymer School in London. You can find out more about Gerard from his website: www.gerardbrooks.org.uk He will be joined by an experienced team of tutors who will provide expert, sympathetic teaching for organists of all levels. Wide-ranging tutorials provide an innovative approach to all aspects of organ playing including use of stops and pedals, playing for services, improvisation and new repertoire. All participants will have the opportunity to play a wide variety of organs in the churches and chapels of Salisbury. Tuition is given in small groups, so that everyone has a chance to “have a go”, and the programme also includes seminars and recitals. Sarum College, within the elegant Cathedral Close at Salisbury, is a short walk from all the venues for the course, and offers comfortable, simple accommodation, a hospitable welcome, and excellent catering. A limited number of en-suite rooms are available at a small supplement. Double and twin rooms may be available on request - please enquire. |
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 YORK COURSE FOR CHURCH ORGANISTS Director: Daniel Moult |
Monday 14 – Thursday 17 June 2010 York St John University Residential price: £425 (£499) Non-residential price: £350 (£410) |
 This course is designed for organists from beginners (albeit with some keyboard experience) to the experienced, whether playing regularly for church services or not. Solo repertoire, hymnody, playing for psalms, anthems and improvisation will all be covered. The historic city of York offers a wide range of organs on which to receive tuition during this summer course. Organists will meet in small groups with a team of sympathetic and inspiring tutors who will be dealing with a wide range of technique issues, as well as service playing skills and historical style issues. Daniel Moult is well known to regular organ course participants, and is a tutor for the RSCM's Church Music Skills programme. He is a busy concert organist and tutor, and regularly accompanies the Millennium Youth Choir. You can find out more about Daniel here: www.danielmoult.com The tutors will also be giving seminars on practice techniques and performance nerves, and there will be free time to explore the city and for participants to share their experiences as organists with each other. Organists will find much to inspire them while they take a close look at their playing skills and what they can achieve as both accompanists and solo players. This will be a week filled with challenge, enjoyment and fun. St John University is in the centre of York, just a short walk from the Minster. Accommodation is in single study bedrooms. |
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Booking
To apply for a place on the Church Organists courses, download the booking form below, print, complete a separate form for each applicant, and send with payment of the deposit to:
RSCM Education, 19 The Close, Salisbury, SP1 2EB, UK
Bursaries
Limited bursary funds are available for students in full-time education and overseas participants. For more information, contact the Education Administrator on +44 (0)1722 424843 or education(at)rscm.com.
Terms and Conditions
Please read carefully the terms and conditions on the back of the brochure or booking form.
Church Music Skills Training Days
The RSCM's Church Music Skills programme is designed to help practising church musicians develop the skills and understanding they need for their role, and to equip those who want to be able to lead music in worship. The core programme is delivered as distance learning, but our residential and day courses now offer practical opportunities to complement your studies.
You can find information about the residential courses for organists on the tab above.
In 2010 the RSCM is offering a series of one-day courses in partnership with the Royal College of Organists and the Association of British Choral Directors. These are ideal for students already registered on the Church Music Skills programme, but are open to everyone who wants to develop their skills.
Leeds Parish Church, Kirkgate, Leeds
Saturday 6 February 2010, 10.30am - 4.00pm
St Paul's Church, Jewellery Quarter, Birmingham - FULLY BOOKED
Saturday 24 April 2010, 10.30am - 4.00pm
St Marylebone Parish Church, London NW1 - PLACES AVAILABLE
Saturday 23 October 2010, 10.30am - 4.00pm
These new training days will provide:
- Inspiration and training for church musicians of all levels, including beginners
- Separate strands for organists and choir directors but with opportunities to move between the two
- Expert tuition from experienced teachers and professionals
- Opportunities for individual coaching
- Limited places available - early booking is advisable
Content
The programme for organists will focus on technical skills, accompanying music for services and solo repertoire.
The programme for choir directors will include conducting skills, understanding the voice, rehearsal techniques and repertoire.
Tutors
Esther Jones - Director of RSCM Church Music Skills programme and freelance choral conductor
Simon Lindley - Organist of Leeds Parish Church and Leeds Town Hall
Daniel Moult - Senior Organ Tutor for RSCM Church Music Skills programme and freelance concert organist
Patrick Russill - Director of Music at the London Oratory and Head of Choral Conducting at the Royal Academy of Music
Prices
£50 per day for RSCM members
£55 per day for RCO and ABCD members
£60 per day for non-members
Terms and Conditions
Please read carefully the terms and conditions on the back of the brochure or booking form.
Summer Cathedral Courses
Our cathedral courses offer the chance to sing daily evensong and Sunday services in some of the finest cathedrals. Most participants are members of the RSCM Cathedral Singers and RSCM Voices, but all are welcome to apply. The singing is to a high standard, led by distinguished directors and experienced staff, so all singers must be willing to audition for a place on the course.
In 2010 we are running the following courses:
Exeter Cathedral Course for adults
Monday 2 - Sunday 8 August 2010
Director: David Hill
Accommodation: to be confirmed
Canterbury Cathedral Course for boys and men
Monday 9 – Sunday 15 August 2010
Director: Katherine Dienes-Williams
Accommodation: to be confirmed
York Cathedral Course for girls and adults
Monday 16 – Sunday 22 August 2010
Director: Kerry Beaumont
Accommodation: to be confirmed
Invitations to previous participants will be mailed in Autumn 2009. If you are interested in auditioning for one of the cathedral courses, or have any other queries, please contact the Education Administrator on +44 (0)1722 424843 or education(at)rscm.com, or download the enquiry form below:
Bursaries
A small number of bursaries are available for students in full-time education and overseas participants.
Singing Breaks
For adults who enjoy choral singing, there are opportunities to sing a variety of wonderful music in beautiful and inspiring places. Singing breaks are mostly offered locally through our voluntary network (see Area pages), and are particularly recommended for those using the Voice for Life training scheme in their own churches or choirs.
Please note the different booking arrangements below.
| SARUM SINGING BREAK Sarum College in association with the RSCM Director: Geoff Weaver |
Tuesday 16 – Thursday 18 February 2010 Sarum College, Salisbury Residential prices: Standard £240 (£220), En-suite: £270 (£250), Premier en-suite: £300 (£280) (en-suite subject to availability) Non-residential price: £180 (£160) |
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 A musical retreat offering an opportunity to enjoy singing and worship in the beautiful setting of Salisbury’s Cathedral Close. Explore the living and liturgical contexts of new and familiar repertoire, share fellowship, and enjoy the hospitality of Sarum College. The 2010 theme is The longing heart: "He who sings prays twice''- an exploration of prayer in song through the centuries. The course will be led by Geoff Weaver, with assistance from Philip Seddon from the staff of STETS (Southern Theological Education and Training Scheme) at Sarum College. Please note the booking arrangements for this course: |
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Friday 28 - Sunday 30 May 2010 (not 11 – 13 June 2010 as previously shown) Knighton, Powys |
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This 'Pilgrimage of Song' is organised by the RSCM Swansea & Brecon Committee. It is a friendly and uplifting weekend of music, worship, walking and good food in the beautiful unspoilt Welsh Marches, visiting the churches at Knighton, Presteigne, Pilleth, Cascob and Llanfair Waterdine. For more information and booking details contact the Course Secretary, Sarah Green on +44 (0)1547 560005 or chrisgreen990(at)btinternet.com. |
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| DUNBLANE SINGING BREAK Director: Gordon Appleton |
Monday 19 – Thursday 22 July 2010 Scottish Churches House, Dunblane |
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This course is organised by the RSCM Scotland Committee. For booking and further information, see the RSCM Scotland Area website or contact Brian Baker at bbaker55(at)btinternet.com or telephone +44 (0)1786 821294. | |
Other singing breaks may be organised by Area Committees. See The Network or the Area pages for details.