A shared passion for music in worship brought together members, friends and supporters of the RSCM at our home in Salisbury at the end of April, alongside renowned speakers and musicians from across the country.

Throughout the day, a series of talks and workshops highlighted the vital role music plays not only in enhancing and enlivening worship, but also in deepening spirituality, strengthening communities, and supporting individual wellbeing. Hugh Morris said: ‘It was wonderful to welcome people from such a broad range of backgrounds to what was a really uplifting day.’

The day was marked by a strong sense of shared enthusiasm, with delegates and speakers exchanging ideas and good practice throughout. One delegate reflected: ‘I was tired by the time I got home, but it was great to meet so many people and I came away with lots of ideas!’

Music Sunday is just around the corner – 14 June!

How is your church marking Music Sunday this year? We would love to hear about your plans so that we can feature them on the website. You can also tag us on social media and share your celebrations with the wider church music community.

Whether you are choosing special music, involving the choir in new parts of the service, saying special prayers, or simply eating cake together, join us in celebrating the power of music in worship and the dedication and talents of church musicians everywhere.

If you are local to Fordingbridge, Hampshire, and do not have an afternoon service of your own, why not head to St Mary’s Church, where Hugh will be leading a Come & Sing Evensong? You are warmly invited to join either the singers or the congregation.

One major challenge facing many church choirs today, particularly those in rural communities, is a shortage of lower voices. This new book addresses that challenge directly. It is a collection of canticles and chants and a set of responses, written for sopranos, altos and lower voices. Six composers have each contributed a setting of the evensong canticles for this vocal configuration, with an accompaniment that is not too challenging for a parish organist.

We are excited to announce the launch of the RSCM Singing Certificate, which joins the family of RSCM Singing Awards. This ‘entry level’ assessment gives new choristers a chance to sing for one of our examiners, to receive encouraging and affirmative feedback and an RSCM certificate. Whilst we imagine that the Certificate will be of particular appeal to new choristers, it is open to anyone, of whatever age. The Singing Certificate will be available in RSCM Award sessions in the UK from September 2026.

YOST is currently accepting applications for scholarships for the academic year 2026–27. These scholarships are aimed at committed young musicians aged 13–18 who require full or partial financial support to access organ tuition.

For further information and to download an application form, visit YOST Become a Scholar.

The deadline for applications is Sunday, 31 May 2026

Did you know that June marks 20 years since the RSCM moved its base to Salisbury?

You can read a short history of the RSCM, including the Addington Palace years, on our website by clicking the button below.

As we gather materials for our 2027 Centenary, we would be delighted to receive any memories you may have of the RSCM’s various locations. There are many stories to be shared, and your recollections would be warmly welcomed.

RSCM, 19 The Close, Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP1 2EB

The Royal School of Church Music is a company limited by guarantee, registered in England, no 00250031.
It is also a registered charity, no 312828.