Royal College of Organists facts for kids
The Royal College of Organists (RCO) is a special group in the United Kingdom that helps people who play the organ and lead choirs. It's a charity, which means it works to help others and not just to make money. The RCO has members all over the world. Its main goal is to teach and support organists and choir leaders, helping them become better at what they do. They offer lessons, training, and professional help.
The RCO also checks if organists and choir leaders are good enough to get special certificates. They have many learning programs across the UK. Plus, they have a huge library with over 60,000 books and music pieces about organs and choirs.
The building in Kensington, London, which housed the Royal College of Organists from 1903 to 1991
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| Formation | 1864 |
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| Founder | Richard Limpus |
| Type | Charity incorporated by Royal Charter |
| Headquarters | 118 Pall Mall, London, SW1Y 5ED |
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Membership (2020)
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2,008 |
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Chief Executive
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Sir Andrew Parmley |
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Formerly called
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College of Organists |
Contents
History of the RCO
The RCO started as the College of Organists in 1864. It was founded by Richard Limpus, who was an organist at St Michael, Cornhill, in London. In 1893, it received a special permission from the King or Queen called a Royal Charter. This made it the "Royal College of Organists."
Moving Homes
In 1903, the RCO moved into a building in Kensington Gore, west London. They had a very cheap rent for 99 years. But by the mid-1980s, it became clear the rent would become very expensive. So, the college sold the lease and moved to a new place in 1991.
Later, in 2003, there were plans for the RCO to move to a new, specially built home in Birmingham. This new place would have had a new library and a concert hall. However, in 2005, the RCO decided not to move there. They chose to focus more on teaching, events, exams, and helping their members.
Special Anniversaries
In 2014, the RCO celebrated its 150th birthday! They had a whole year of special events. These included concerts, conferences, music festivals, and new publications.
In 2020, the RCO started its first National Organ Day on April 18. This day celebrates the organ and organ music. In 2024, King Charles III became the special patron of the RCO. He took over from his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, after she passed away in 2022.
Learning and Support
The RCO has a program called the RCO Academy. This program helps organists and students learn and get better at playing the organ. It offers lessons, workshops, and other support.
RCO Exams and Diplomas
The college offers five different diplomas. These are like special certificates that show how skilled an organist or choir director is.
- The Diploma of Colleague (CRCO) is for organists who are still learning but are doing well. It helps them build a strong base.
- The Associateship Diploma (ARCO) shows that someone is very good at playing the organ and understands music theory.
- The Fellowship Diploma (FRCO) is the highest level for organ playing. It's for those who already have the ARCO. A cathedral organist would usually have this diploma.
- The Choral Directing Diploma (Dip CHD) is for people who are good at leading choirs and related musical skills.
- The Licentiateship in Teaching (LTRCO) is for organ teachers. It shows they are professional and skilled at teaching. To get this, you need to have either the ARCO or FRCO.
In 2016, the college also started a certificate for beginners called the RCO Certificate of Accredited Membership (CAM).
RCO Library
The RCO has a very large library. It has more than 60,000 special books and music pieces about organs and choir music. This amazing collection is kept at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire's Curzon Library and the Royal College of Music in London.
See also
- Anne Marsden Thomas
- American Guild of Organists
- British Institute of Organ Studies
