This is the second 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 (Teaching) sequence comprises presentations on: teaching the organ; teaching in conservatoires; and teaching in the independent sector.

Bach famously had moments of contention with his employers and colleagues over fees, commissions, teaching schedules, leave of absence. In these respects at least, it seems that nothing much changes.

Working as a professional organist requires additional skills beyond musicianship, so the RCO has organised a one-day Organists in Business conference in June to provide business skills and career advice to organists at all levels.

In March 2014, our partners at the Incorporated Society for Musicians presented a webinar for ISM members entitled Key Issues in Safeguarding and Child Protection. The webinar, presented by ISM Head of Legal In March 2014 David Abrahams, addressed some common issues that musicians who work with under 18s should be aware of.

In February, Aine Kennedy attended ‘The Conservatoire Experience’ presented by the Royal Academy of Music and Royal College of Organists. This is her report from a day designed to give young organists an insight into life at a music conservatoire.

The RCO received more than 900 responses to its 2015 survey, providing a unique insight into the musical life of organists and choral directors. The importance of the organ and choral music in religious worship was strongly emphasised throughout the responses.

Competition law prevents trade associations and organisations from recommending rates for musicians’ freelance work.

However, there are a number of resources available to help those considering fees for employed organists and directors of music, and these may include some useful background information on some of the issues to consider.

by Simon Williams Oxford University’s Access and Outreach promoted the Organ Scholarships for All day on 3 November 2015 to show that organ scholarships can be within reach even for those teenagers who come to organ playing relatively late in the school days, and to raise awareness of organ scholarships in general among state schools. Hosted […]

There are a number of published resources available to guide organists and employers with reference to fees for regular and special services in places of worship.