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.

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.

Bishop of Leeds the Rt Rev Marcus Stock launched the new Diocese of Leeds Organ School with a service at Leeds Cathedral last month. The new Organ School is a partnership between the Diocese of Leeds Music Department and The Royal College of Organists.

The Diocese of Leeds Music Department will host a workshop day for parish musicians, school music leaders, organists, choirs, cantors and clergy in June, based in Leeds Cathedral. Participants will have the chance to play the Cathedral’s superb organ, rebuilt by Klais of Bonn in 2010, and admission is free.

by James Parsons ‘Amazing’ – ‘brilliant’ – ‘such fun’  – ‘I’m so glad I came’  Emily Keeling-Paglia (age 11) texts home from Bristol. She was on the RCO Academy’s Find Your Feet! and Build Your Skills! in Bristol along with 14 other young musicians who had decided to spend three days of their October half-term last […]

Develop your skills on the ‘big course with the personal touch’ – the RCO’s flagship summer course which lasts for six days and is based in the heart of the historic City of London. This film provides insight into the course, which caters for organists of all levels and aspirations.