About the Organ School
Flexible tuition
We aim to be as flexible as our students need. Your commitment is only to the individual lesson or event you have booked; we never ask you to commit to a whole term or course of lessons. Every student’s tuition pattern is therefore unique. It may comprise classes only, or individual lessons, or any combination of the many opportunities we offer.
All ages
We welcome students of all ages: our current register of regular students covers ages 10 to 90. Young students should consider applying for our Junior Organ Conservatoire programmes.
All standards
We accept students to the main Organ School without audition at all levels: beginner, intermediate and advanced organists regularly attend lessons with all our tutors.
Lesson availability
The Organ School operates seven days a week, all year round.
Full-time courses
Intensive courses at any level are also available for overseas students visiting the country for limited periods. In recent years students from many countries, including Abu Dhabi, Ghana, Greece, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, Nigeria, Uganda, USA and Tanzania have studied full-time at St. Giles International Organ School for periods of between one week and one year.
Examinations
For graded examinations we recommend those of the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music because of its carefully composed syllabus, thorough administration and ongoing moderation of standards. For diplomas we recommend the Royal College of Organists as it uses both detailed criteria and three specialist examiners for the performance diplomas. Nevertheless, when students wish to use another examining system for various reasons, we are happy to give advice and support.
Progress Evaluation Forms
After every ten lessons, please ask your teacher for a review of recent progress and evaluation of goals. Your teacher will prepare the evaluation form, there will be brief discussion and notes during your lesson, and then you complete the final section on your own. This is an entirely optional procedure which many of our students have now undertaken and found valuable; your teachers also find it very beneficial.
Partnership with The Royal Academy of Music
St. Giles International Organ School is the official body for provision of LRAM organ teacher training to under-graduate and post-graduate students at the Royal Academy of Music (RAM). This means that, from time to time, RAM students wish to observe individual lessons in the Organ School, but we will always consult you before allowing an observer into your lessons. The RAM course also includes occasional opportunities for you to participate (at no cost to you) in practical sessions as model students.