Kick start your learning of the organ and playing in church
The RSCM Beginner Organ Academy is the beginner organ course for all musicians, regardless of prior experience. The course equips participants with the tools, knowledge and confidence to begin contributing music in worship services and to build a foundation for further organ study
Why this course is unique
- No Keyboard Prerequisite – whilst other courses require a fundamental (or advanced) piano technique, this course removes this barrier. The only prerequisite is that you must be able to read music, and be a competent singer or instrumentalist.
- An encouraging community – Just because the organ is played solo doesn’t mean you need to learn it alone! Unlike a one-to-one relationship with a teacher, this course makes you part of a community that is at the same stage in their learning as you.
- Supervised introducing to service-playing – When the time is right, participants will be given the opportunity to play parts of church services to apply what they’ve learned and to provide targets to aim for in their journey.
Course Outline
- An introduction to the organ and what makes it tick
- Approaching the organ console: positioning, posture and practice
- Playing two-voice and three-voice hymn arrangements well
- Simplifying hymns yourself whilst maintaining their harmonic integrity
- Learning basic organ repertoire
- Service playing: a staged introduction
- Further learning and paths forward
The Course Fee includes
- A place in our 10 lesson course (20 contact hours), where numbers are capped at 12 participants
- A resource of 75 common hymns simplified for the beginner organist, arranged for this course
- A copy of RSCM Publication The Complete Church Organist Level One (over $50 value)
- An Organist Repertoire Starter Kit, including a curated list of public domain music, and recommendations for resources to expand your collection.
- Opportunities to see other organists in action at services and recitals, as well as some opportunities to play when the time is right.
- (if applicable) RSCM Membership until December 2027, which includes quarterly church music magazines; Sunday by Sunday music planning tool based on the Revised Common Lectionary; RSCM event discounts and more.
Pricing
All 12 course places are heavily subsidised by RSCM Queensland, reducing the full course fee from $1,200 to accessible rates for individuals and churches:
| Fee Rate | Member | Public |
| RRP (before subsidy) | $1,075 | $1,200 |
| Individual (subsidised) | $399 | $529 |
| Church (subsidised) | $419 | $599 |
For non-members individuals and churches, membership up until 31 December 2027 is included in the course fee (over $125 value).
About the Course Convenor – Adam Hoey
With cello as my main instrument, I also sang choral music at school. I first heard the organ at a speech night, accompanying the choir and performing solo showpieces—its grandeur and range instantly inspired me. Singing in parish choirs later revealed how the organ enhances worship services and draws people closer to God.
My organ journey began when both organists at my family’s church stepped away due to ill health. Around that time, I read an RSCM article by Dr Robert Boughen on simplifying hymns while preserving harmony. Using those principles and my musical background, I learned hymns for upcoming Sundays, gradually increasing complexity until I could play full hymnbook versions with pedals. I’ve since benefited from lessons with Brisbane organists and RSCM workshops featuring national and international teachers.
I am certainly no organ expert – and for some topics we will use guest presenters who can cover these topics better than I ever could. However, my experience starting organ in a church music context with no keyboard experience equips me to “unpack” the basics for others in a way that many organ teachers have not needed to do themselves.
I am delighted that I am able to “kick start” you on your journey to becoming an organist; to use my connections to create great playing experiences for you along the way; and give you the avenues you need to continue honing your craft after the course itself has concluded.
Frequently Asked Questions (click each question for the answer)
Do I need any keyboard experience?
No, and this is what makes this course unique! As long as you have had some formal instrumental or vocal lessons and can read music, this is all the prior knowledge necessary
I already play the piano reasonably well – is this course still likely to be useful to me?
Whilst this course is aimed at complete beginners to the keyboard, depending on the recency and extent of your experience, together with the other participants in the cohort, the course (or parts of it) may still be fruitful. We encourage you to express your interest and we can take things from there.
Do I need to have attained a specific level in another instrument?
The level of your prior experience isn’t important for this course, other than your ability to read music. However, those who have had to practise an instrument (including voice) seriously in the past will be best placed for this course. We ask details about your experience in the EOI form to help us decide whether this course is right for you.
What if I’m not able to read both treble and bass clef?
This is absolutely fine – as long as you can read music (any clef), you will be able to pick up the ones you don’t know in no time!
I don’t currently worship at a church – can I still participate?
Absolutely! We have partnered with several organists and churches around Brisbane as part of this course, and we will be able to co-ordinate opportunities to watch other organists in action as well as have a play yourself when the time is right.
Do I need access to an organ to participate?
Although it helps to have access to an instrument, some access may be able to be arranged through our existing church music network. Even a basic 5 octave keyboard at home would assist you greatly in your initial journey.
Where will the workshops be held?
We will deliberately visit a wide variety of instruments as part of this course – both pipe and digital. This is part of the fun on learning the organ – no two are the same! We will ensure that all workshops are located relatively centrally in Brisbane.
When will the workshops take place?
Our course commences on Saturday, 12 September from 10am at Nazareth Lutheran Church, Woolloongabba. On this day we will have our first two workshops to kickstart the course, with lunch between the sessions at the local pub. Subsequent sessions are likely to be held on Saturday mornings by majority agreement amongst the partcipants.
Is the course suitable for young people?
Absolutely – in fact, Adam was a young person when he started his organ playing journey! We just ask that you have a guardian present for all the workshops.
