RSCM names first recipients of Young Church Musician Award
The Royal School of Church Music has announced the first five recipients of its new Young Church Musician Award, recognising emerging musicians making a significant contribution to church music in their local communities.
The inaugural recipients are Storm Cannon of St Gabriel’s Church, Heaton, Newcastle upon Tyne; Nathan D’Almeida of All Saints’ Church, Four Oaks, Birmingham; Dylan McCaig of St Mary’s Church, Banbury, Oxfordshire; Kate Powell of St Mary’s Church, Calne, Wiltshire; and Jack Wilson of Belfast Cathedral.
Introduced as part of the RSCM’s Honorary Awards programme, the new award is aimed specifically at musicians nearer the beginning of their involvement in church music, rather than those whose achievements reflect a long-established career.
The RSCM says recipients should be developing their own role and voice within the sector and demonstrating an ongoing commitment to advocating for music within worship, whether through paid or voluntary work.
The organisation received nominations covering a wide range of roles within church music for the award’s first year.
Hugh Morris, RSCM Director, said: ‘It’s wonderful to be able to recognise the achievements of young, early-career musicians who have gone above and beyond expectations in the service of church music.
‘Developing the music leaders of the future is one of our priorities, and we look forward to them joining us at our annual Celebration Day to receive their awards, and to remaining alongside them as they continue to grow and develop in their work.’
The five recipients will receive their awards alongside recipients of the RSCM’s other 2026 Honorary Awards at the organisation’s Celebration Day at Salisbury Cathedral in September.
Nominations are also now open for the next round of RSCM Honorary Awards and will close on 14 December.