Short Residential Courses in the UK 2009
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, Church Music Skills and Sacred Music Studies.
The RSCM in the UK offers a range of choral, organ and cathedral courses during the year. The International Summer School and Conference is held in the UK every three years - the next ISSC will be in 2011. 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 2009 below:
 SPRING COURSE FOR YOUNG PEOPLE Director: Gordon Appleton |
Tuesday 14 – Friday 17 April 2009 Sneaton Castle Centre, Whitby Price: £225 (£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 returns this year to Sneaton Castle Centre, 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 17 – Sunday 23 August 2009 Kingswood School, Bath Price: £335 (£400) |
 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 provides 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 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 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. Applications have now closed for these bursaries.
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.
- A deposit of 10% of the full fee is required on booking. Deposits are non-refundable (except in the event of the course being cancelled by the RSCM), and cover administration costs.
- The balance of the full fee is due 8 weeks before the start of the course. 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:
more than 8 weeks before the start of the course, amounts paid in advance, except for the deposit, will be refunded.
less than 8 weeks before the start of the course, no refund is available, unless the place can be reallocated (the RSCM will have incurred non-recoverable costs at this point). - In the case of cancellation by the RSCM, fees paid will be refunded in full. No less than one month's notice will be given should the RSCM be forced to cancel the course.
- The RSCM cannot take responsibility for other costs incurred when the place is cancelled whether by the applicant or by the RSCM. For this reason, we strongly recommend that you take out your own travel insurance.
- The RSCM reserves the right to refuse an application without stating the reason.
- 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 aims to meet all access and special dietary needs; 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 2009, in beautiful medieval cities in the south and north of England. These courses complement the new RSCM Church Music Skills training scheme.
Download a copy of the brochure for Church Organist Courses 2009 below:
 SALISBURY COURSE FOR CHURCH ORGANISTS Director: Gordon Stewart |
Tuesday 14 – Friday 17 April 2009 Sarum College, Salisbury Residential price: £435 (£510) En-suite: £45 supplement (En-suite subject to availability) Non-residential price: £345 (£420) |
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 We welcome Gordon Stewart as director of this year's Easter Week organ course. Gordon, already familiar to many for his work as organist and tutor in the UK and abroad, 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, 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 15 – Thursday 18 June 2009 York St John University, York Residential price: £420 (£495) Non-residential price: £345 (£420) |
 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 basic tips for organists who find they have to conduct a choir, and an improvisation workshop. 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 practice issues. 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
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
- 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.
- A deposit of 10% of the full fee is required on booking. Deposits are non-refundable (except in the event of the course being cancelled by the RSCM), and cover administration costs.
- The balance of the full fee is due 8 weeks before the start of the course. 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:
more than 8 weeks before the start of the course, amounts paid in advance, except for the deposit, will be refunded.
less than 8 weeks before the start of the course, no refund is available, unless the place can be reallocated (the RSCM will have incurred non-recoverable costs at this point). - In the case of cancellation by the RSCM, fees paid will be refunded in full. No less than one month's notice will be given should the RSCM be forced to cancel the course.
- The RSCM cannot take responsibility for other costs incurred when the place is cancelled whether by the applicant or by the RSCM. For this reason, we strongly recommend that you take out your own travel insurance.
- The RSCM reserves the right to refuse an application without stating the reason.
- 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 aims to meet all access and special dietary needs; 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.
Singing breaks are now 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 24 – Thursday 26 February 2009 Sarum College, Salisbury Residential price: £240 (£220) En-suite: £30 supplement Premier en-suite: £60 supplement (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 2009 theme is 'Love and Lament: Worship and song for Lent'. 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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| KNIGHTON SINGING BREAK Director: Geoff Weaver |
Friday 29 – Sunday 31 May 2009 Knighton, Powys |
 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. 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 13 – Thursday 16 July 2009 Scottish Churches House, Dunblane |
 The annual RSCM Dunblane course in 2008 attracted 60 adult choral singers from many parts of the world, who formed a well-balanced SATB choir; the largest number since this course began eleven years ago. Gordon Appleton will be directing the course once again in 2009, with Chris Broughton, Vocal Tutor and Matthew Beetschen, Organist. Dunblane is a very special place and many return to the course each year. If you have never been, you can be assured a warm welcome with excellent hospitality at Scottish Churches House and the opportunity to sing daily services to a high standard in the magnificent cathedral. Please note the booking arrangements for this course: | |
Other singing breaks may be organised by Area Committees. See The Network for details.
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, 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 2009 we are running the following Cathedral Courses (dates subject to confirmation):
Edinburgh Cathedral Course for girls and adults (St Mary's Episcopal Cathedral)
Director: Gordon Appleton
Accommodation: to be confirmed
Monday 27 July – Sunday 2 August 2009
Dublin Cathedral Course for adults (Christ Church Cathedral)
Director: Judy Martin
Accommodation: to be confirmed
Monday 10 – Sunday 16 August 2009
Winchester Cathedral Course for boys and men
Director: Kerry Beaumont
Accommodation: to be confirmed
Sunday 23
– Sunday 30 August 2009
Invitations to previous participants will be mailed in Autumn 2008. If you are interested in auditioning for one of the cathedral courses, or have any other queries, please contact 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.