Stephen Farr explains how to practice effectively – taking a piece he has not yet studied, and discussing the learning process as he practices it live for the camera.

If you’ve been awarded an organ scholarship, then here’s some advice from Organ Scholars and Directors of Music on how to get the most enjoyment and benefit once you take up your appointment.

Designed to boost top class young organists onto the career ladder, the Harry Gabb Scholarship was awarded for the first time to young organist and composer Paul Greally.  The scholarship gives financial support so that RCO qualifications can be completed as quickly as possible, and was set up in memory of William Harry Gabb, whose own career included the position of Sub Organist at St Paul’s Cathedral.  Paul describes how the scholarship has helped his studies, and his plans for the future.

The Liverpool Blue Coat School has a national treasure in its assembly hall – a 1874-built Father Willis organ. Thanks to support from the National Lottery, the school is developing a project to restore it, to be a focus for music within the school, and also to support a new Blue Coat Organ Scholarship. This scholarship will not only involve the restored Father Willis, but will extend to the use of both the Liverpool Cathedral and Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral organs.

The RCO offers a range of scholarships and awards which can provide students with financial help towards the cost of tuition, sheet music/music books, and other expenses. We can also help signpost students to other sources of funding.

This is the first in a series of four video sets covering the professional, business & career skills required by any organist looking to start, build or change their career.

This Professional & Business video sequence contains presentations on: career options & relevant business skills; contracts, rates & legal issues; juggling a portfolio career; and using technology.

This is the last in a series of four video sets covering the professional, business & career skills required to any organist looking to start, build or change their career.

This Career Options (Examinations & Publishing) sequence contains presentations on: examining with the ABRSM; and careers in music publishing.

This is the third in a series of four video sets covering the professional, business & career skills required to any organist looking to start, build or change their career.

This Organists in Business: Career Options (Performing & Conducting) video sequence contains presentations on: working with choirs & orchestras; working in cathedrals; and choral conducting.

The Organists in Business conference was organised in Summer 2016, with more than a dozen musicians at the top of their respective professions giving detailed guidance to an audience of organists looking to start, build, or change their careers.

Selected presentations from the day are now available on iRCO.