THE ROYAL SCHOOL OF CHURCH MUSIC

GUILDFORD AREA

Organists' Training Scheme

1. How do l join the Scheme?

2. What happens then?

3. Procedure

The RSCM Organist Training Scheme allows those of all ages to draw on the very best advice and teaching in their area.

The Scheme will be of particular interest and encouragement to those who have recently started to play the organ for worship and to those who are being persuaded to accompany services when there is no-one else available.

The Scheme is geared to :

• ·Complete beginners.
• ·Those with some keyboard skills but no knowledge of playing the organ.
• ·Those who once played the organ and may need to refresh their memory.
• ·Those who have had some organ lessons but are looking to improve their basic skill and gain more confidence.

Students enter the Scheme at the stage which they and their tutor feel most suitable for their needs.

How do l join the Scheme?

First, you need to read the leaflet which outlines the structure of the Scheme, to decide whether it is right for you. To obtain a leaflet, e-mail us by clicking here, giving your name and address. You can add any queries you may have at the same time.

Once you have decided that you wish to proceed, you will have to register by sending a cheque made payable to the RSCM for £10 (£5 for RSCM Friends and Affiliates) to cover the annual registration fee, together with your completed application form to the address given on the form.

What happens then?

Your registration will be acknowledged and then you should approach a tutor of your own choice.

If you wish, the local administrator, John Belcher, will be happy to discuss the choice of a recommended tutor with you and make appropriate suggestions.

When you have made contact with a tutor it is then up to both of you to decide how best to proceed. You should aim to meet with your tutor at least every four to six weeks and attend additional training sessions and seminars as may be arranged. It is obviously essential that you set aside regular time for private practice.

The current fee for all tutors is £20 per hour. If you feel that you cannot afford this the RSCM may be able to subsidise fees in some circumstances.

As you progress through the Scheme you may wish to undertake the formal assessment for each of the three stages. Your tutor will advise on this. If you are successful in passing each assessment you will be awarded formal certification of your standard.

Once you have passed the assessment for Stage III you will have completed all the formal requirements of the course.

However, you will still be able to draw on the expertise of your tutor for as long as you wish and as often as you like.

Procedure

1. Obtain a copy of the syllabus - and read it carefully.
2. Register.
3. Contact a tutor of your choice.
4. Meet your tutor and discuss your requirements, e.g. how often you should have a lesson.
5. Take the formal assessment for each stage as you reach the appropriate standard.
6. Complete the course! You will now have reached a recognised status and will know that you are now much better at what you do and consequently you are enjoying it all so much more.

This page was last updated on 6 February 2006