The Royal College of Organists and its partners have produced a number of specimen contract and agreement documents for organists employed in places of worship, for performance(s), and in teaching roles.

Services, ceremonies and other performances are increasingly being made available to see and hear via the internet. Whether the performance is being broadcast live for a single live viewing, or subsequently made available for ‘catch-up’ viewing, our partners at the Musicians’ Union publish recommended minimum rates.

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.

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.

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.

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.