Short Residential Courses in the UK 2008
The RSCM offers enjoyable and stimulating courses for all involved in music and singing in the church, for children, young people and adults of all abilities. These are part of our three educational programmes: Voice for Life, Skills of the Church Musician and Sacred Music Studies.
In 2008 the RSCM in the UK is offering a range of choral courses, organ courses, and cathedral courses. 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.
Courses are also available in other parts of the world. For more details go to the RSCM international websites.
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 2008 below:
 SPRING COURSE FOR YOUNG PEOPLE Director: Gordon Appleton |
Tuesday 25 – Friday 28 March 2008 Pocklington School, East Yorkshire Price: £205 (£245) |
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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 massed choir. Pocklington is 12 miles to the east of York, at the foot of the Yorkshire Wolds. The school is situated in the centre of this beautiful market town and next to the fine medieval church where services will be held. There will be free time to make use of the facilities (including the swimming pool and playing fields), explore the town, and make new friends. 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 18 – Sunday 24 August 2008 Kingswood School, Bath Price: £320 (£385) |
 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 sing several times during the week. Under the inspirational leadership of course director Geoff Weaver, an experienced and gifted team of tutors provide a 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 exciting 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 years. Singers aged from 18 to 24 may be accepted on this course, subject to fulfilment of the RSCM's child protection requirements (including CRB disclosure). 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 Course Bookings, 19 The Close, Salisbury, SP1 2EB, UK
Bursaries
A small number of 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.
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 or download information from the link below:
Terms and Conditions
- All fees are stated and payable in pounds sterling.
- Fees are subject to change only in the event of circumstances beyond the control of the RSCM, including changes in taxation and exceptional surcharges imposed by suppliers.
- If a tutor or lecturer is absent, the RSCM will provide a suitable replacement.
- The RSCM reserves the right to alter other features of the course, including venues and facilities.
- The RSCM reserves the right to refuse an application without stating the reason.
- No less than one month's notice will be given should the RSCM be forced to cancel the course. In the case of cancellation by the RSCM, fees paid will be refunded in full. Please note that the RSCM cannot take responsibility for other costs incurred by applicants (for this reason, we strongly recommend that you take out travel insurance).
- Deposits are non-refundable (except in the event of a course cancellation), and cover administration costs.
- Applicants will be advised of the date on which the balance of the fee becomes due. After this date, the RSCM reserves the right to re-allocate any places for which the fee has not been paid in full.
- In the event of cancellation by the applicant, a refund will be allowed as follows:
Notification received up to 8 weeks before start of course - 80% of full course fee refunded
Notification received up to 4 weeks before start of course - 50% of full course fee refunded
Notification received less than 4 weeks before start of course - 0% of full course fee refunded - Vegetarian and special dietary needs can be met; please send details with your application.
- Any dependent adults must be assisted by a full-time carer paying the full fee. The RSCM is unable to accept responsibility for the supervision of dependent adults in the care of delegates.
- We regret that under 18s cannot be accommodated on adult courses unless they are under the direct supervision of another delegate (aged 18 or over).
- Pets are not allowed. It may be possible to accommodate assistance dogs if advised in advance.
Church Organist Courses
The RSCM’s programme of short organ courses offers organists the chance to learn new skills and improve their existing talents, to meet new friends and colleagues, and to enjoy some of the most beautiful cathedrals and churches in the UK.
Over the years, many organists have appreciated the RSCM’s range of organ courses, which aims to cater for church organists and accompanists of church choirs. 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?
The RSCM is offering two courses for organists during 2008, in beautiful medieval cities in the south and north of England. These courses complement the new RSCM Skills of the Church Musician training scheme.
Download a copy of the brochure for Church Organist Courses 2008 below:
 SALISBURY COURSE FOR CHURCH ORGANISTS Director: Daniel Moult |
Tuesday 25 – Friday 28 March 2008 Sarum College, Salisbury Residential price: £420 (£495 non-members) Supplement to guarantee en-suite room: £15 Non-residential price: £330 (£395 non-members) |
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 We welcome a new director this year for the course at Sarum College. Daniel Moult and his team of experienced tutors provide expert, sympathetic teaching for organists of all levels. Wide-ranging tutorials provide an innovative approach to all aspects of organ technique for the “professional amateur”, including use of stops and pedals, playing for services, new repertoire and improvisation. All participants will have the opportunity to play a wide variety of organs in the churches and chapels of Salisbury, including the magnificent ‘Father Willis' in the Cathedral. 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. |
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 YORK COURSE FOR CHURCH ORGANISTS Director: Robert Fielding |
Monday 16 – Thursday 19 June 2008 York St John University, York Residential price: £405 (£485 non-members) Non-residential price: £335 (£400 non-members) |
 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 basic technique issues, service playing skills, historical style and practise issues. This course is designed for those who are playing for services in their church. Organists who have just begun, have been playing for some time or have much experience will find a place on this course. Hymnody, playing for psalms, service settings and anthems, new repertoire and contemporary music will be covered, as well as choosing voluntaries and how to go about improvising simple interludes. The tutors will also be giving seminars and entertaining organ recitals, 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 Course Bookings, 19 The Close, Salisbury, SP1 2EB, UK
Bursaries
A small number of 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.
Terms and Conditions
- All fees are stated and payable in pounds sterling.
- Fees are subject to change only in the event of circumstances beyond the control of the RSCM, including changes in taxation and exceptional surcharges imposed by suppliers.
- If a tutor or lecturer is absent, the RSCM will provide a suitable replacement.
- The RSCM reserves the right to alter other features of the course, including venues and facilities.
- The RSCM reserves the right to refuse an application without stating the reason.
- No less than one month's notice will be given should the RSCM be forced to cancel the course. In the case of cancellation by the RSCM, fees paid will be refunded in full. Please note that the RSCM cannot take responsibility for other costs incurred by applicants (for this reason, we strongly recommend that you take out travel insurance).
- Deposits are non-refundable (except in the event of a course cancellation), and cover administration costs.
- Applicants will be advised of the date on which the balance of the fee becomes due. After this date, the RSCM reserves the right to re-allocate any places for which the fee has not been paid in full.
- In the event of cancellation by the applicant, a refund will be allowed as follows:
Notification received up to 8 weeks before start of course - 80% of full course fee refunded
Notification received up to 4 weeks before start of course - 50% of full course fee refunded
Notification received less than 4 weeks before start of course - 0% of full course fee refunded - Vegetarian and special dietary needs can be met; please send details with your application.
- Any dependent adults must be assisted by a full-time carer paying the full fee. The RSCM is unable to accept responsibility for the supervision of dependent adults in the care of delegates.
- We regret that under 18s cannot be accommodated on adult courses unless they are under the direct supervision of another delegate (aged 18 or over).
- Pets are not allowed. It may be possible to accommodate assistance dogs if advised in advance.
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, as well as courses offered locally through our voluntary network (see Area pages), offer musical and spiritual refreshment, and are particularly recommended for those using the Voice for Life training scheme in their own churches or choirs.
In 2008, the singing breaks will be administered locally, rather than from the RSCM Administrative Office. Please note the different booking arrangements below.
| SARUM SINGING BREAK Sarum College in association with the RSCM Director: Geoff Weaver |
Tuesday 12 – Thursday 14 February 2008 Sarum College, Salisbury Price: £210 (£230 non-members) Supplement to guarantee ensuite room: £10 |
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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 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. The programme will include services in Sarum College chapel and other churches, and a chance to sing in Salisbury Cathedral. Please note the booking arrangements for this course: |
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| KNIGHTON SINGING BREAK Director: Geoff Weaver |
Saturday 24 – Monday 26 May 2008 Knighton, Powys Price (non-residential): £125 (£150 non-members) |
 The annual 'Pilgrimage of Song' is a short course with a difference. It visits some of the most beautifully situated churches in this very rural part of mid-Wales (one of Britain's undiscovered treasures), with walks from church to church (transport is available for those who prefer not to walk) and singing of services throughout the day. Based in Knighton, one of the towns on Offa's Dyke, the course will explore a group of churches further to the west, which haven't been included in previous courses. Looking at the lives of the saints associated with those churches, the focus will be "Living out our Christian vocation". The course concludes with a walk to the atmospheric valley of Abbeycwmhir and the closing act of worship in the Abbey ruins. There will be musical, spiritual and physical challenges during the weekend - don't miss this unique opportunity! This is a non-residential course, and a list of B&B accommodation is available on request. Please note the booking arrangements for this course: |
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| DUNBLANE SINGING BREAK Director: Gordon Appleton |
Monday 14 – Thursday 17 July 2008 Scottish Churches House, Dunblane Price: £237 (£285 non-members) Non-residential price: £164 (£210 non-members) |
 Now in its eleventh year, this course offers opportunities to enjoy stimulating music-making in the beautiful surroundings of an historic Scottish town. Dunblane Cathedral is a superb venue for daily services accompanied on the wonderful Flentrop organ. Gordon Appleton directs the course, assisted by Chris Broughton, vocal tutor, and Matthew Beetschen, cathedral organist. Singers who attend this course appreciate the opportunity to learn new repertoire, improve their music skills and value the fellowship and worship. Services follow the traditions of both the Church of Scotland and the Scottish Episcopal Church, and are led by clergy of different denominations. Much of the music used will be suitable for small choirs but there will be works to challenge too (in 2007 we included Give unto the Lord by Elgar). We expect to welcome many singers from outside the UK to this course. The sharing of experiences by singers from church choirs all over the world is particularly valued by the participants. Scottish Churches House, adjacent to the cathedral, provides excellent food and hospitality in twin-bedded rooms. An option of bed and breakfast in the city is possible. We meet on Monday for lunch, and finish mid-morning on Thursday. Please note the booking arrangements for this course: For more information contact Brian Baker T: 01786 821294; E: dunblanesingingbreak(at)rscmscotland.org |
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Further information on singing breaks will be added in due course - do visit this page again soon!
Cathedral Courses
Our cathedral courses offer the chance to sing daily evensong and Sunday services in some of England’s finest cathedrals. Most participants are members of the RSCM Cathedral Singers, 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 2008 we are running the following Cathedral Courses:
Ely Cathedral Course for boys and men
Director: Gordon Appleton
Accommodation: Bishop Woodford House and The King's School (to be confirmed)
Monday 4 – Sunday 10 August 2008 (please note change of start date)
Salisbury Cathedral Course for girls and adults
Director: Malcom Archer
Accommodation: Sarum College and Salisbury Cathedral School
Sunday 17 – Sunday 24 August 2008
Durham Cathedral Course for adults
Director: Matthew Owens
Accommodation: St Chad's College
Sunday 17 – Sunday 24 August 2008
Invitations to previous participants have now been mailed. If you are interested in auditioning for one of the cathedral courses, or have any other queries, please contact Chris Wardle on cwardle(at)rscm.com or telephone +44 (0)1372 728059.
Bursaries
A small number of bursaries are available for students in full-time education and overseas participants.