A. Church Music Skills students come from a range of starting points: young people exploring a career in church music; adult beginners looking to develop new skills; practising church musicians looking for further development. CMS Organ resources assume a good level of music reading and some keyboard experience; those who are playing the piano to about Grade 5 standard are likely to get the most from the course.

A. The resources were created with adult learners in mind, but enthusiastic teenagers may enjoy and benefit from the course, with appropriate parent/guardian support. There is no upper age limit.

A. Students can join at any point in the year. Just complete the registration form and pay the registration fee to get started!

A. It depends on your current level of musical skill and understanding. You will be given guidance on the level at which to begin after you have completed the introductory units. Level I is for students who are relatively new to their principal skill. Level II is for those who already have good basic technical and musical skills, but who may have relatively limited experience as a church musician. Level III is for students who are already fairly skilled.

A. You’ll need access to a well-maintained organ (pipe or digital). It doesn’t have to be big, but it helps to have a second manual, especially at the higher levels. Pedal work is included from Level I. Let us know if you want to check that the organ you have access to will be suitable. Some units require you to submit recordings of your playing. Most mobile phones will be perfectly adequate for this; the recording should be of sufficient quality to accurately represent the performance, but please remember we’re not marking the standard of the recording itself!

A. There are two main forms of assignment: written work (essays, commentaries etc.) and practical work (audio/video recordings, scores etc.). Assignments are assessed by course tutors and awarded a mark, which contributes to the overall grade (if following the award scheme). In most cases, work submitted is sent to a tutor on the last Friday of each month, to be returned a month later.

A. It depends on how much time you are able to set aside. As a rough guide, each unit of study takes about ten hours to complete (from first reading to assignment submission). Some students finish a level (six units) in a year, others take much longer. Initial registration lasts for two years (it can be extended for a small fee), so that might be a good target!

A. If you’re following the Award scheme, you’ll receive a certificate once you’ve successfully completed the required combination of six units. You can have your certificate posted to you or it can be presented at our annual Celebration Day or at another appropriate local event. Then you can continue studying at the next level if you wish!

A. Organ is the first skill to be re-launched. In due course, the Choir Trainer, Cantor and Music Group Leader units will be added to the Hub. If you are interested in the Choir Trainer, Cantor or Music Group Leader units, please send us an email (cms@rscm.com) and we'll keep you updated.

A. The RSCM has a limited amount of bursary funding available to support those on its courses and programmes. To request access to the bursary application form, please email cms@rscm.com.

• All fees are stated and payable in pounds sterling.

• Once learning materials have been sent to the student, payment is non‑refundable.

• Following payment for registration, students on the Award scheme may request to make subsequent payments in instalments. Please enquire for details.

• Following payment for registration, students on the Flexible Study scheme will pay per unit requested.

• If, on sight of the learning material, students decide they have selected the wrong unit, they may ask for an alternative unit but this will incur an administration charge of £35.

• If students fail to reach the required standard for a unit, there is a charge of £35 to retake the unit.

• Registration for the programme lasts for two years. After that time, a further administration charge of £40 will apply if you wish to continue your scheme of study and have your work assessed or move on to another level.

• Limited bursary funds may be available for those with particular financial needs. Please contact the CMS Administrator for further information.

• Any complaints about the programme or appeals about marking and/or assessments should be addressed to the RSCM Education Officer. Appeals about marking must be made within one month of receiving the tutor report.