One of the charitable objects of the Beds and Herts Organist’s Association is “to advance the education of the public in the study of music with special reference to liturgical and organ music”. Central to this is a responsibility to encourage young people to train as church organists.
The association’s Young Organists’ Training Scheme (YOTS), which commenced in 2016, provides funds to enable young keyboard players to learn the organ, The scheme operates in Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire and currently offers free tuition to young people who have a particular interest in playing the organ at their local church.
YOTS would provide funds for churches to support organ scholars by way of subsidized tuition with accredited teachers. We offer students grants to provide 32 half hour lessons (or equivalent). In addition to regular tuition, the association encourages all YOTS students to attend occasional masterclasses and workshops with high profile organ tutors/recitalists.
YOTS teachers are accredited by the B&HOA. The accreditation is based on verifiable teaching/organ qualifications, suitable experience and DBS clearance. Teachers give termly feedback on the progress being made by each student.
YOTS bursaries are available to any aspiring organists between the ages of 10 – 25yrs. Ideally, applicants will already have some keyboard facility but applications will be considered from those with less experience, but with musical potential.
Applications for a YOTS bursary can be made either by a church wishing to support a potential scholar or by individuals who may not yet have links to a church. Application for a bursary can be made at any time. Applicants will be invited to attend a short audition prior to any award being offered.
If you are interested in putting your name forward for 2023 or future years please use the link below. To apply for our next assesment day please click pn the appication form below.
We would like to thank The Williams Harris Church Music Trust for their generosity supporting our Young Otganists’ Training Scheme with another Bursary Donation Grant (April 2023)