RSCM launches new award for young church musicians
The Royal School of Church Music has launched a new award recognising young musicians who are making a significant contribution to the flourishing of church music.
The RSCM Young Church Musician Award is open to church musicians aged 18–30 inclusive, as of 30 June 2026, who are establishing their own role and voice within the church music sector.
The award is intended for those for whom advocacy for the role of music in worship is a visible and ongoing part of their life, whether they are involved in church music on a paid or voluntary basis.
Nominators will be asked to show that candidates have gone above and beyond their job description or expected role, and have made a significant, tangible difference to church music in their local context using their own initiative.
Nominees do not need to work in church music as their main occupation. The award is open to both UK-based and international nominations.
Unlike the RSCM’s existing Honorary Awards, which often recognise those at the pinnacle of their career or those who have made a long and sustained contribution, the Young Church Musician Award is designed to celebrate musicians nearer the beginning of their relationship with church music.
Recipients will receive an RSCM Shop voucher to redeem against RSCM Press publications or other RSCM imprints. They will also be invited to act as an ambassador for the RSCM for at least the year following their award.
The ambassadorial role may include sharing their story at events and receptions, joining panel discussions at conferences and festivals, acting as a consultant on matters affecting young church musicians and contributing to Church Music Quarterly and other RSCM publications.
Hugh Morris, RSCM Director, said, ‘The Young Church Musician award offers the chance to encourage the new music leaders who will play such a vital part in sustaining the future of church music.
‘We hope they will be encouraged in their work; and look forward to celebrating their achievements and contributions in this early part of their career.’
The award would normally be presented at RSCM Celebration Day, or, where appropriate, at a national or branch festival or study school overseas.
All nominations should be confidential and applications are subject to the normal RSCM Honorary Awards processes. The decision of the Awards Scrutiny Panel is final.
For the inaugural 2026 cycle, nominations close on 30 June. Full details and nomination information are available via the RSCM website.