Regulations

The College offers five qualifications. Brief descriptors for the examinations are given below, with a link at the end of each paragraph to enable you do download a copy of the current regulations for that examination.

For all information about examinations from July (Summer) 2013 to January (Winter) 2014, click here. Alternatively, you can contact the College to request Examination Regulations by post. Click here for contact details.

Certificate (CertRCO)

The award of the Certificate indicates a standard of reliable and confident musicianship in public performance. It also indicates confidence in basic keyboard skills, most of which are invaluable in a liturgical context, and proficiency in those aural and written skills (fundamental musical grammar and knowledge of repertoire) which support practical musicianship. The Certificate is aimed at the amateur player with some experience of playing in public and at the developing student. Certificate

Associateship Diploma (ARCO)

Associateship of the College indicates a standard of professional competency in organ playing technique, essential keyboard skills and interpretative understanding. It also indicates accuracy in aural perception and fluency in those written disciplines (standard stylistic techniques and analysis of performance and historical issues in relation to organ repertoire) which support practical musicianship. Associateship

Fellowship Diploma (FRCO)

Fellowship of the College indicates a standard of professional expertise in organ playing technique, advanced keyboard skills, and interpretative understanding, which at this level will be stylistically well informed. It also indicates accuracy in advanced aural perception, and accomplishment in those written disciplines (advanced stylistic techniques and analysis of performance and historical issues in relation to organ repertoire and its broader musical context) which support practical musicianship. Fellowship

Choral Directing Diploma (DipCHD)

The award of the Diploma in Choral Directing indicates a standard of professional expertise in choral conducting technique, rehearsal and interpretation. It also indicates accomplishment in those written disciplines (advanced stylistic techniques and extended choral arrangement) which support practical musicianship, as well as an extensive knowledge of the choral repertoire, and a thorough understanding of vocal and choral technique, and of the administrative and psychological management of singers and choirs. Choral Directing Diploma

Licentiateship in Teaching (LTRCO)

Licentiateship of the College indicates a standard of professional expertise in teaching the organ to students at elementary, intermediate and more advanced levels. It indicates a reflective and methodical approach to the practice of teaching, and shows clarity of purpose in the setting of study objectives, the planning of lessons, the development of technique and the encouragement of musicality. An understanding of student needs, aspirations and learning patterns will be demonstrated, as will competence in those administrative skills needed to organise a teaching practice. Licentiateship

Assessment Criteria

For the criteria used by examiners click here

Academic Dress, Presentation and Prizes

For details of academic dress, diploma presentation and examination prizes click here

Publishers

For a list of publishers of prescribed music click here

Examination Regulations 2013-2014

Click here for the complete Examination Regulations July 2013 to January 2014.

Examination Regulations 2014-2015

These will be published in September 2013.