The Royal Hospital School in Holbrook is offering the opportunity to join an organ masterclass and play a unique 1930s instrument in a splendid acoustic – the 1933 Hill Norman & Beard organ in the school chapel, which is one of the few instruments from that time which hasn’t been altered from the original tonal design. The master classes follow a series of Monday organ recitals, between 2.30 and 3.30pm. Anyone of any standard can apply, with repertoire that relates to the recital.

The Royal School of Church Music is running a workshop to give church musicians the chance to bridge the gap between worship styles and find ways of combining organ and band in church music. It includes practical teaching and the opportunity to work with a live band, and will be held at St Michael’s Chester Square, in London, on 4 November 2017.

See you again next year! was the verdict of many students on two of the RCO’s flagship courses – The Organ Scholar Experience, this year based around the colleges and organs of Oxford, and the Summer Course, with over fifty organists rushing from their base in St Giles, Cripplegate around the City of London’s churches, for classes, private practice, and performance.

The RCO’s Organ Scholar Experience is the essential summer course for young organists. Held in Oxford this year, from 18th to 23rd July, it introduces teenage organists to the life of an organ scholar. Come and listen to choral evensong and choral compline in Oxford Colleges taken by the course students, and recitals from the top-flight recitalists who are their tutors for the week.

The American Guild of Organists has published a free 30-lesson series of films designed to provide a thorough introductory course in organ-playing, and particularly to help pianists make the transition to the organ.

Playing the organ can be quite tricky, says Raina D’Souza, though she hasn’t lost enthusiasm for the instrument, learning under the guidance of David Pipe, Director of the Organists’ Training Programme, launched in November last year by the Diocese of Leeds. The scheme now comprises students, both children and adults, in centres across Leeds, Bradford, Huddersfield and Harrogate. Three of those students comment on their progress so far.

The RCO has published a major resource for organ teachers and students involved in or considering the Associated Board of the Royal College of Music’s graded organ examinations.

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 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.