In this article from the RCO Journal from 2014, Andrew McCrea describes the foundation of the College of Organists in 1864 (the Royal Charter came later) and looks at the characters and preoccupations of the founding fathers.  His sources include the earliest minute books of the College, which have survived in the archives, and have […]

Margaret Phillips describes how she approached a truly unique recital challenge – performing the complete organ works of Bach in recital, not once but twice, and on two instruments of very different size and style.

The Journal of the Royal College of Organists is the College’s annual research publication.  Volume 5, 2011, can be downloaded below. Contents of Volume 5, 2011: Virginalist embellishment: revisiting the grace signs Desmond Hunter Playing about with French classical organ music Edward Higginbottom Vierne’s 24 Pieces en Style Libre: Charles Holt’s performance listings Hugh Benham […]

The Journal of the Royal College of Organists is the College’s annual research publication. Volume 6, 2012, can be downloaded below. Contents of Volume 6, 2012: A life making music: a conversation with Piet Kee on his 85th birthday Further remarks on Jehan Alain’s organ music – the new Barenreiter edition Stephen Farr Hans Leo […]

The 2014 edition of the College’s annual research publication, The Journal of the Royal College of Organists, can be downloaded here as a complete edition. Individual articles are also available and searchable within iRCO.

Dan and the Magic Musician tells the animated story of the greatest musical instrument of all.

Children can meet the pipe organ, with follow-up resources at the bottom of the page for teachers and parents.

Ann Elise Smoot discusses how a professional approaches a performance, and how to cope with nerves on the day.

Simon Williams provides guidance in this download on how to practice the ARCO keyboard skills, which include transposition, score reading, and harmonisation at sight, as well as improvisation, figured bass and sight-reading tests.  He suggests useful material – music and books – to help take your studies further. Hints on practising & performing ARCO keyboard […]

Playing hymns is an essential part of the musical lives of most organists, and in this download Ian Curror considers the practical skills required.  It is primarily designed for candidates who are preparing for CRCO, but it is hoped that it may prove valuable to others too. Hymn playing for organists