Organ Foundations - Levels I and II

These newly introduced examinations for beginning organists are intended to provide a learning path for students in the earliest phases of organ study, so that students from varying backgrounds can build confidence and gain performance experience after only a short period of lessons at the organ. The exam is designed to be useful for the early stages of learning for various groups of students: 

• Children and youth learning to play the organ;
• Adult beginners, especially those who may need a refresher on keyboard technique; 
• Home organists who may not have regular access to a pipe organ; 
• Church musicians learning to play the organ for service in smaller churches; 
• Recipients of Beginning Organist Scholarships and other similar Centre bursaries. 

These examinations are designed to help any student who is interested in the organ to reach a basic level of proficiency at the instrument, providing a solid background in keyboard technique and exposure to representative organ repertoire. Students completing level II will be equipped with the skills to play the organ for their own enjoyment or to continue with further formal study, including preparation for the more advanced certificates and diplomas offered by the College. 


Fees
Level I - $150
Level II - $175

Dates
Examinations take place once a year in the spring. Registration opens on January 15, and applications must be submitted by March 1.

Written exams are held annually on the second Tuesday of May.

All practical exams will be held on fixed dates.  Specific examination times will be scheduled once applications close. No exceptions will be made for changing dates of practical examinations. Candidates are welcome to choose any examination centre and date that suits them, but all travel costs will be their own responsibility.  

For applicants in Thunder Bay or outside the provinces of Ontario and Quebec, if there is no examination centre within reasonable distance, we will make an effort to add an additional location closer to their place of residence. Please contact the national office at info@rcco.ca to make a request.

Registration
To register for an exam, click here.

Further Resources
Complete examination details are available on the following pages:             

• Organ Foundations Syllabus
• General Examination Regulations
  
• Resources including study material. hymn leaflets and Recording Certification Declaration forms.