RSCM VOICES CHOIRS
The Royal School of Church Music National and Regional Choirs are for those who sing regularly in their church or school and who want to expand their repertoire, learn new skills and be inspired by singing with others in spectacular spaces like beautiful churches and cathedrals.
Individual singers are drawn from across the country and region, bringing a wealth of experience to share, and provide the opportunity to sing repertoire which may be outside the scope of their normal routines. National and Regional Choirs work with high-quality choral directors, vocal coaches and organists who teach, challenge and motivate the singers to give of their best in worship, both as part of the choir itself and back in their home churches. Learning new repertoire and developing vocal and musical skills is at the heart of the choir’s work, so the music list for the year includes a wide range of styles and periods which present different challenges and teaching points.
The RSCM Choirs aim to draw together some of the most accomplished and experienced church musicians and each choir has its own defining features – some are based on experience, others on geography. Entry is usually by audition to establish the singer’s starting-point, and many require singers to be members of the RSCM (either as an Individual/Under-25 member or as a member of a church/choir with Group Membership of the RSCM).
Standard membership is £65 per year, for five in-person events and one online rehearsal. Membership is open to adult members of RSCM-affiliated churches and choirs, or Individual/ Student members of the RSCM. Admission to the choir is by audition.
About the Royal School of Church Music (RSCM)
The RSCM is the Salisbury-based, national, independent charity enabling the flourishing of church music. As the central ‘home’ of church music, the RSCM provides relevant education, training and resources to its membership, the wider church, and beyond. It is committed to encouraging the best of music in worship, and to advocating music as a tool for growth of the church.
The RSCM supports thousands of Affiliated churches across the UK and worldwide through its international partners. In addition, it also supports many schools and Individual members, and its work is sustained by thousands of Friends, Regular Givers and other donors.
The RSCM is an open, life-long learning organisation, offering face-to-face and distance education and training through its programmes, published resources, courses and activities.
Founded by Sir Sydney Nicholson in 1927, the RSCM’s original emphases were English and choral. Now, in a diverse international context, the RSCM’s work is far broader and more diverse, and aims to make all its work ecumenical in purpose, nature and content.
HM The Queen was RSCM’S Royal Patron from 1952 until her recent death, and its president is The Most Revd and Rt Hon The Lord Archbishop of Canterbury. The organisation celebrates its centenary in 2027.
