Organ at OU

A wonderful opportunity!

Are you a young organist aged 14–20 looking to build confidence on larger and unfamiliar instruments? Join us in Birmingham this October and play not one but two cathedral organs in a single day!

The Royal College of Organists and Creative Oundle for Organists have joined forces for Pipes and Pistons – a hands-on study day exploring the magnificent instruments of St Chad’s Cathedral and St Philip’s Cathedral.

Led by Simon Williams and Ann Elise Smoot, the day is designed to help young organists develop confidence in registration and performance on unfamiliar instruments.

Participants will work with music of their own choice while exploring practical questions that every organist faces:
How do we choose stops?
How do we make registration changes smoothly?
How should we approach hymn registration?
And how closely should we follow a composer's instructions?

Open to organists playing at Grade 6 standard or above, this promises to be an inspiring day of learning, discovery and music-making.

📅 Saturday 10 October 2026 (10:00–17:00)
📍 St Chad’s Cathedral and St Philip’s Cathedral, Birmingham

Places are limited to just 12 participants. Booking closes on Friday 25 September 2026.

Visit www.rco.org.uk/events/pandp for details

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