Your RCO event details can be found below.
Please note that the 24-hour clock is used on all event listings, with all times being GMT/BST. To book courses and classes, please follow the Book Online link wherever you see it, and email bookings@rco.org.uk or call 020 3865 6998 with any queries. Where events are free or not bookable online, please follow the instructions for that event.
Teenage organists of grade 7 level and above are invited to join us in Oxford for an unforgettable week of tuition from star organists using many of Oxford's finest organs.
The course provides teaching in graded groups in repertoire, technique, and keyboard musicianship, and whole-course classes in choral directing and accompaniment—just the thing for those preparing for or considering university organ scholarships, study at a conservatoire, or a gap-year organ scholarship in a church or cathedral, as too those who simply want to take their playing to the next level!
Comments from TOSE Week 2024 students
Key features
• expert and inspiring teaching team with huge combined experience of music making and teaching at the highest level
• receive tuition on many of the superb organs in Oxford
• sing, direct and accompany choral music in our supportive classes and in choral evensongs in Oxford University college chapels
• gain insights into university and conservatoire organ auditions
• attend concerts by Ulrich Walther, one of our teachers, and another by a young professional (name to be announced)
• make lasting friendships and forge vital connections both in classes and in the lively social programme
• bursaries available from the RCO to help with the cost of the fees (see below for details of how to apply)
• accommodation in single rooms included in the fees together with all meals—we are resident at St Edmund Hall, located in the heart of Oxford's historic centre
• supervision from experienced pastoral staff
• click here to download the 2024 course timetable to get a flavour of what to expect
Book now to guarantee a place and to secure the early bird rate which is available until 28 February. RCO Student Members receive a further discount on the fees. Join the Royal College of Organists now for immediate access to the lower rate. We also welcome applications for bursaries (see below for details and apply by 1 May at the latest). Scroll down to the bottom of the page to book on line.
Teachers
David Pipe New TOSE Week co-director David is Organist of Huddersfield Town Hall, where his work even encompasses playing in a symphonic metal band! A former Cathedral organist, he is in demand as a conductor, and works regularly as an RCO examiner.
Ulrich Walther Brilliant German organist who is Professor of Organ at the Kunstuniversität, Graz (Austria) and a hugely busy recitalist, jury member and tutor, with additional interests in arrangement, jazz and the Hammond organ. A star of his generation!
Tansy Castledine Director of Music at Peterborough Cathedral, Tansy is one of the UK's leading choral directors, teaching courses worldwide and training the next generation of choral directors, to much acclaim. We are delighted to welcome Tansy back to TOSE Week.
Jeffrey Makinson one of the UK’s most acclaimed Cathedral musicians, Jeffrey is Organist and Assistant Director of Music at Lincoln Cathedral. He has performed across Europe and North America, and has given premieres of works by leading composers including Bob Chilcott, Judith Bingham and Matthew Martin.
Joseph McHardy formerly Director of Music of HM Chapel Royal, St James’s Palace, Joseph is Director of Music at St Paul’s Girls’ School. He has worked as a harpsichordist and conductor, in opera houses from Berlin to Madrid, and performed with ensembles including the Berlin Philharmonic, and the Gabrieli Consort and Players.
James Orford newly-appointed Organist at St Paul’s Cathedral, James is one of the leading organists of his generation, in demand as soloist, accompanist, continuo player, repetiteur, and teacher. He was a prize-winning student at the RAM, and his recording of Vivaldi’s L’estro Armonico was featured on Apple Music’s Classical A-list.
Gerdi Troskie a popular RCO Accredited Teacher who was born in South Africa and went on to study at the Amsterdam Conservatorium with Jacques van Oortmerssen. Gerdi has taught on many courses, including the RCO Summer Course, and gives recitals all around the world.
Simon Williams Director of the RCO's East, South, and South West regions with additional responsibility for the College's national events and Accredited Teachers' programme. Simon has many years of teaching and performing experience and has been Organist of Cheltenham Ladies' College since autumn 2022.
Fees
Fees include tuition, accommodation and breakfast, lunch and dinner from lunch on Tuesday 22 July to lunch on Sunday 27 July. The first figure given is for RCO Student Members; the second for non-Members. Click here to join the RCO now and save most of the membership fee on the discount rate for RCO Student Members (or all the cost if you are eligible for Affiliate Student Membership through studying at an RCO Accredited Institution or with an RCO Accredited Teacher).
• Early-bird rates (available till 28 February): £835/£875
• Booking from 1 March: £875/£920
• Whether you book before or after 28 February you can pay the deposit of £75.00 with the balance of fees to be paid on or before 1 May
If applying for a bursary please book your course place paying the deposit only, and complete and return the bursary application form as soon as possible and before 1 May.
Click here to download the bursary application form.
Click here to email events [@] rco.org.uk with any questions.
Click here for details of and online booking for our two TOSE-in-a-Day events for teenage organists of c. grade 5 - grade 8 level: York, Saturday 9 November 2024; and London, Saturday 29 March 2025.
Click here for details of TOSE Community, offering year-round support and inspiration to teenage RCO Student Members.
For RCO courses and classes, the following key is used as a guide to level and suitability:
Beginner (Grades 1-4)
Intermediate (Grades 4-6)
Advanced (Grades 6-8 / CRCO)
Diploma 1 (CRCO–ARCO)
Diploma 2 (ARCO–FRCO)