Pipes and Pistons
A workshop to boost confidence in choosing stops and playing on larger pipe organs
The Royal College of Organists and Creative Oundle for Organists have teamed up to offer a fantastic opportunity to 12 young organists. Come to Birmingham on 10 October to experience the thrill of playing not one but two cathedral instruments!
WHEN: Saturday 10th October 2026, 10am-5pm
WHERE: Birmingham: St Chad’s and St Philip’s Cathedrals
WHO: Organists aged roughly 14-20, who are at Grade 6 level or above
What can you expect?
Tutors: Ann Elise Smoot (Director, Creative Oundle for Organists) and Simon Williams (The Royal College of Organists, Director East, South and South-West)
- How do we decide what stops to use?
- How do we change stops during a piece effectively and accurately?
- Why are some stop names in English and some in other languages?
- How do we register and hymns?
- How might we register music from other countries on an English instrument?
- How literal should we be in following a composer’s suggested registrations?
“Course runs from 10.30am to 5pm with Registration from 10am.”
Application & Deadlines
DEADLINE: Friday, 25 September 2026
Early booking is strongly advised.
Applications for all courses should be accompanied by a reference by your regular organ (or piano) teacher.
Once we have offered you a place, full payment of the course fee should be made within two weeks of acceptance.
Details of how to pay will be provided with the offer of a place. These deadlines do not apply to bursary applicants. We will advise on acceptance.
The Tutors
Our organist courses feature a range of world class tutors to help you get the most out of your time with us.
Click through to read biographies of our 2026 tutors.
