Andrew McCrea discusses how to approach the organ repertoire question of the CRCO written paper with particular reference to Stanford’s Six Short Preludes and Postludes, Op.101 and Op.105, the set repertoire for July 2022–January 2023.

In this film, Robin Harrison outlines strategies to improve aural skills.  He discusses aspects of pulse, pitch, and phrasing, and suggests transposition and memorisation exercises to train the inner ear.

An exploration of the life and reputation of Dietrich Buxtehude, and his use of rhetorical structures and devices, using the Preludium in C as an example.

Three films presented by RCO Director of Studies, Andrew McCrea, suggesting ways to develop the study skills required for the three levels of RCO diploma examinations.

A series of webinars, presented by Frederick Stocken, covering the Bach chorale question from the CRCO Diploma examination written paper.

Listen to the new syllabus, from July 2020, of playing repertoire for the CRCO examination.

Sara Rothwell studied the organ from the age of 16, but only recently decided to take an RCO Diploma examination – winning both the Freemasons’ Prize and a John Birch scholarship in the process. She describes the challenges of taking the exam, and how she prepared for it.

The ability to sight-read is enormously useful, but many teachers find it difficult to include in their lessons. This download from the RCO Academy aims to help teach this subject by suggesting resources, preparation techniques, and how to overcome students’ resistance to sight reading.

In this second video on hymn playing, Daniel Moult considers advanced techniques such as ways to decorate a hymn, reharmonisations and hymn extensions.