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WELCOME

Who inspired you to become more involved in church music?

While church music naturally engages with worship and faith, it is also a deeply people-centred activity – and strong leadership plays a vital role. That’s why our online conference this year focuses on leadership, featuring dynamic contributors including Sir James MacMillan.

Book your place now – but not before you’ve finished reading the rest of this newsletter! Click here to book.

 
 
 
 
Hugh Morris
RSCM Director
 
CMQ GOES DIGITAL

CMQ is now available in an enhanced online format. Alongside the flipbook in the Members Area, the magazine now features a dynamic new layout, unlocking a range of interactive features, including:

  • Hyperlinks for deeper exploration of articles and resources
  • Audio recordings bringing interviews and music to life
  • Videos showcasing performances, discussions and behind-the-scenes insights
  • Audio playback of articles for visually impaired readers, ensuring greater accessibility
  • Adaptable layouts for ease of reading

The March launch is just the beginning – new features, including podcasts, will continue to be introduced throughout the year, keeping CMQ at the forefront of engaging and accessible church music journalism.

Stay tuned and experience CMQ in a whole new way! Click here to read the March issue.

 
YOUNG VOICES TOOLKIT

We are delighted to launch a brand-new resource today, designed to help churches (re)engage young people in singing. The Young Voices Toolkit covers a wide range of topics, offering support to anyone who wants to encourage young voices in worship but isn’t sure where to begin. It also provides direct links to a wealth of detailed resources in our Members’ Area.

Explore the toolkit by clicking here.

To learn more, join our online session on 2 April. Click here to book a place.

 
BBC YOUNG CHORISTER
OF THE YEAR 2025

Do you know a talented young singer of sacred music who could be the next BBC Young Chorister of the Year?

Radio 2 and Songs of Praise are searching for exceptional young voices – whether they sing in a church or youth choir, lead modern worship or simply love singing at home.

BBC Young Chorister of the Year is back for 2025, and entries are now open to singers aged 10 to 17. The deadline for applications is Monday 7 April, at 23.59 BST – and applying is easy! Search ‘BBC Young Chorister of the Year 2025’ or click here.

 
MENTAL HEALTH, WELL-BEING, AND SINGING

We are delighted to share details of a new series of monthly webinars led by Dr Yoon Irons, Associate Professor of Arts for Health and Well-being at the University of Derby. Dr Irons is internationally recognised for her research into the benefits of group singing.

These webinars will introduce the Inclusive Group Singing Toolkit (Singing Side by Side) and provide a supportive space for discussions on its value for choirs and singing groups.

The webinars are free to attend, and the full programme – including a hybrid conference on 13 July – can be found here.

The first session took place on Monday 24 March, but a recording will be made available.

 
RSCM MUSIC SUNDAY
15 JUNE

RSCM Music Sunday is just around the corner! We know hymn singing is much loved, so this year we’re inviting churches to take part in a marathon sing of hymns from Ancient & Modern: Hymns and Songs for Refreshing Worship. Join us and be part of this nationwide celebration!

Click here for details on how to take part, along with a full list of ideas to celebrate Music Sunday.

 
INTRODUCING THE ORGAN
A NEW RESOURCE

As part of Play the Organ Year, we have developed a new interactive half-day session designed to introduce the organ and the key skills needed to support congregational worship.

Designed to be led by a local, experienced organist, the session is tailored for up to six participants who already have keyboard skills but are trying the organ for the first time.

The resources are available to download for free in the Members' Area, or printed copies can be purchased in a bundle with a copy of Complete Church Organist Book One from the RSCM Music Shop.

 
AND FINALLY...
WIN CHOCOLATE!

To celebrate the rebrand of the RSCM Music Shop, we're giving away five bags of Easter eggs! To enter, simply email [email protected] with the subject ‘Competition’ and tell us how many products are listed on the RSCM Music Shop’s ‘Recent RSCM Publications’ page.

Closing date: 2 April, 17.00 BST. Winners will be selected at random from correct entries.

Good luck!

 

Forward Notes from the Director!

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It is also a registered charity, no 312828.