We all know of the shortage of organists in our churches and the alarming and increasing use of the 'virtual organist' - recordings of hymns etc.

Courses for Volunteer Organists is one way to improve this situation.

CVO are now available in NORWICH, SALISBURY and YORK.
These take on pianists who have 'volunteered' to play the organ in their church. rather like Jo Brand, this is an 'in at the deep end' experience.

As well as providing training for young organists (eg. pipe-up! in the Diocese of Salisbury), the talents of pianists all over the country can be easily harnessed and adapted to organ playing. Once started, most are hooked...

Clergy who are desperate for organists may well know of pianists who might brave the move to the organ bench.
This two-day course, greatly helps this move and provides basic and sympathetic help where needed.

For more info:
http://roller4you.tripod.com/cvo/

Next course: Norwich, 26/27th October, £195.

Thanks for lettingus know. The only reason I play the Organ at all is that Nigel Simeone (University of Sheffield) when he was my Parish Organist "threw me in at the deep end" and asked me to play for a service knowing I was a perfectly competent pianist. I may not be perfect, but I can still play for a service and even get most of the notes right.

I was young then, well 21. We need more people in the church prepared to have a go.

Yes, lots of stories like this. I come across all sorts of brilliantly brave people on these courses. they are way out of their comfort zone and immediately thrown into a 'performing' situation!
Robert

There are several schemes around - the RSCM OTS springs to mind, operated in a number of RSCM Areas.

Those dioceses which have Diocesan Music Advisers tend to operate schemes, too - I did when I was a DMA, the scheme having been set up by my predecessor. The funding arrangements will vary, of course, from diocese to diocese. (By no means all dioceses have DMAs.)

The RSCM schemes are interdenominational.

Always worth asking a local organist in post for advice - there are many of us who will try to point people in the most appropriate direction.

St Giles opportunities are invaluable, and highly to be recommended.

Why thank you. I don't have to led to the Organ loft kicking and screaming now. I'm still clearly a pianist who can play the organ a bit, but it is much more comfortable.