Royal School of Church Music in America-RSCM America
About RSCM America:
RSCM America is the American branch of the Royal School of Church Music. Our goal is to uplift the spiritual life of our communities through high quality choral music. We provide musical education to singers through a structured choral music program and summer music courses. We provide support to music directors through an organizational forum which facilitates the exchange of knowledge and ideas. Through our efforts to raise the quality of choral music performance, we have touched the lives of multitudes of singers and listeners.
A brief history
RSCM was founded in England in 1927 by Sir Sydney Nicholson, organist of Westminster Abbey. Originally called the School of English Church Music (SECM), the organization consisted of a training college for church musicians (called the College of St. Nicolas) and an association of affiliated churches committed to attaining high standards of musical performance.
The operation of the college was suspended during World War II and reopened as the Royal School of Church Music in 1945 at Canterbury Cathedral. The College of St. Nicolas was closed in 1974. Thereafter, RSCM directed its focus to short courses and to developing “regional” affiliates worldwide run by voluntary committees.
RSCM has grown to become an international and ecumenical organization, with more the 11,000 affiliates in the UK, North America, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, and throughout Europe.
RSCM America has more than 700 affiliates crossing denominational lines and the boundaries of nearly every state. RSCM America has its own board of directors supervising RSCM programs in the United States.
What we do
RSCM America offers:
Annual courses for choristers of all ages in various regional locations
VOICE for LIFE, an acclaimed structured choral training guide that provides a framework for choral singers to develop their vocal skills, musical understanding, and knowledge of the repertoire
Access to the RSCM America Master Class, a pool of experienced musicians who offer assistance to choral directors and individual singers on a wide variety of subjects
A forum for enrichment and exchange of information and ideas among a group of highly qualified music directors.
Who can join
Church, school, and community choirs may join as affiliate members. Individuals may join as members with full benefits, or as friends who support the work of the RSCM.
For more information please visit the website.