Ivan Deb has won the first Aprahamian Scholarship for young organists, and in a partnership between The Arabesque Trust and Viscount Classical Organs, he now has a brand new two-manuals-and-pedals home organ for home practising.

Back in 2018 we reported on a Liverpool school with ambitions for its historic, but neglected school organ. Almost three years on, we can now report on the success of their project not only to completely restore their Father Willis instrument, but to create a system of organ scholarships for teenage organists from the school.

Over sixty years ago, the Musicians’ Company, one of the historic livery companies of the City of London, inaugurated a scholarship in memory of the great Victorian concert organist, W T Best. This year the award has been renamed The Musicians’ Company Award for Organists, and candidates between the ages of 18 and 26 are invited to apply: the deadline for this is the end of February 2020.

Oundle for Organists, in partnership with the RCO, have published a new series of eight films as a guide for potential organ scholars. Presented by Oundle’s Director, Ann Elise Smoot, they explain how to prepare for organ scholar trials, with practical advice on skills such as improvisation, registration, and score reading from inspiring tutors. All organists wanting to improve their skills will find the films, and the accompanying reading list, helpful.

Ann Elise Smoot introduces a series of eight films showing what to consider and what to prepare when applying for an organ scholarship, whether at a university, a cathedral, or parish church. A comprehensive reading list is included with the series.

Ann Elise Smoot discusses the benefits of an organ scholarship with former organ scholars, and asks current Directors of Music what is expected of organ scholars in terms of duties and responsibilities.

Mark Williams and Ann Elise Smoot suggest ways to improve your keyboard skills in preparation for applying for an organ scholarship.  A reading list with further resources is included.

Richard Pinel and Ann Elise Smoot explain how to create and manage registration schemes on the organ, whether by hand or using divisional pistons, with a focus on choral accompaniment.

Ann Elise Smoot and Matthew Martin discuss improvisation, a skill all organ scholars will have to use at some point.  They suggest how you can develop confidence in two important areas: creating processional music, and hymn extensions.