Royal School of Church Music
The Royal School of Church Music is an international charity dedicated to supporting and developing church music through training, publications and events. Founded in 1927, the organisation works with churches, schools and musicians around the world to nurture singing, develop musical skills and sustain high standards in worship.
About Royal School of Church Music
The RSCM’s work centres on a range of well-established programmes and initiatives. Voice for Life provides a structured training scheme for singers of all ages, helping choirs develop musicianship and vocal skills through progressive awards. Church Music Skills offers practical training and accreditation for church musicians, while Hymnpact! supports singing in schools and encourages connections between schools and their local churches.
Alongside these programmes, the organisation publishes a wide range of music and training materials through RSCM Press, and produces regular publications including Church Music Quarterly and the liturgical planning guide Sunday by Sunday.
The RSCM also runs courses, workshops and festivals throughout the year, supporting singers, organists, directors of music and worship leaders at every stage of their development.
National initiatives such as the RSCM Youth Choir provide performance and training opportunities for young singers.
Working collaboratively with churches, music organisations and educational partners, the RSCM continues to champion high-quality church music and support those who lead it. As the organisation approaches its centenary in 2027, it remains committed to strengthening the tradition of church music and ensuring it continues to flourish in communities around the world.
Watch
An excerpt from Songs of the Spirit, a major new work commissioned by award-winning British composer Thomas Hewitt Jones to celebrate the RSCM's centenary in 2027. Choirs are invited to become co-commissioners in this project in exchange for exclusive benefits. Visit the RSCM website for full details.
Upcoming events
All eventsCourses & learning
All learning- Jul27+RSCM Residentiary Choir courseFeatured27 Jul – 2 Aug 2026 · Royal School of Church MusicSt Mary's Episcopal Cathedral, Edinburgh, United KingdomCourse / short course
- Aug5+RSCM Youth Choir Summer Residential CourseFeatured5 Aug – 9 Aug 2026 · Royal School of Church MusicDerby Cathedral, Derby, DerbyCourse / short courseSummer school
- Aug17+RSCM Bath CourseFeatured17 Aug – 23 Aug 2026 · Royal School of Church MusicKingswood School, Bath, United KingdomSummer school
Opportunities
All opportunitiesJobs & vacancies
All jobsNews & features
- News30 Jun 2026Festival of Faith and Music returns as one-day symposium at Southwark Cathedral
The Church Times Festival of Faith and Music will return in 2026 as a one-day symposium at Southwark Cathedral, London, presented in partnership with the Royal School of Church Music.
- News17 Jun 2026RSCM 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.
- News16 Jun 2026RSCM announces 2026 Honorary Awards recipients
The Royal School of Church Music has announced the recipients of its 2026 Honorary Awards, recognising outstanding contributions to church music across international, national, regional and local settings.
- News26 May 2026New from RSCM Publications – RSCM Evensong Collection for SA+Men
The Royal School of Church Music has published a new collection of canticles, responses and psalm chants designed for choirs with sopranos, altos and unison lower voices.
- News21 Apr 2026RSCM applications for two key Choir Project roles close on 28 April
The Royal School of Church Music is inviting applications for vacancies within The Choir Project, its partnership initiative with the Church of England.
- Appointment20 Apr 2026RSCM appoints Sarah King as Deputy Director for Education
The Royal School of Church Music has appointed Sarah King as its new Deputy Director for Education, with the role beginning in June.
- Appointment07 Apr 2026RSCM Scottish Voices appoints new director
RSCM Scottish Voices has appointed Iain McLarty as its new Director, succeeding Frikki Walker, who has led the choir since its founding in 2008.
- News02 Apr 2026RSCM Publications releases Urdu Kyrie heard at Archbishop of Canterbury installation
An Urdu setting of the Kyrie eleison sung during the installation of Sarah Mullally as the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury has been published by RSCM Publications.
- News26 Mar 2026Major Churches music conference to take place in Cambridge this June
Great St Mary’s, the University Church, Cambridge will host a one-day conference on Saturday 13 June 2026 for church musicians and clergy responsible for music in major churches and in churches with a strong traditional choral music programme.
- News10 Mar 2026Church Choir Award opens for 2026 with grants of up to £10,000
The Royal School of Church Music and Cathedral Music Trust have announced the opening of applications for the 2026 Church Choir Award, offering grants of up to £10,000 to support innovative projects in church choirs.