Jesus College Organ Scholar Conrad Spencer has become an Associate of the Royal College of Organists (RCO), following his success in the latest round of the RCO Diploma examinations.
The RCO Diploma is highly prized in organ scholarship. It demands the combination of technical, and interpretative, skill with the stylistic, analytical and historical understanding that marks out the truly accomplished musician. The Associateship (ARCO) validates ‘professional competency’.
Conrad Spencer, Jesus College Organ Scholar, pictured playing the Chapel organ in 2022.
The Associateship examination consists of two sections: a Practical Examination (comprising Organ Performance and Keyboard Skills Portfolio) and Written Papers (comprising Stylistic Techniques, Aural Perception, and Historical/Repertoire Studies).
Conrad says, “Achieving the ARCO represents the culmination of many hours of study and practice, and I am pleased and honoured to receive this diploma.
The exam consists of multiple sections, designed to test the many aspects of musicianship required to be a professional organist. This includes a short recital, for which I performed Bach’s Fantasia in C minor (BWV 562), Bohm’s Vater unser im Himmelreich, and Vierne’s Andantino (no. 2 of Pieces de Fantasie, op. 51), all of which I have since played as voluntaries in Evensongs at Jesus.
I am especially grateful for the help of my organ teacher, Alexander Flood, a former Jesus College Organ Scholar, for his guidance through the exams, and aid in my preparation. I look forward to applying the skills I have gained from this exam towards future performances and opportunities, at Jesus College and beyond.”
Jesus College’s Organ Scholarships are open to musicians eager to commit to further training and development in Organ and Conducting studies, and contribute fully to the musical life both of the Chapel, and of the College as a whole. Conrad and his fellow Organ Scholars work alongside Peter Parshall, the Chapel Music Co-ordinator, and receive the opportunity to build a portfolio of highly transferable skills involving the recruitment of musicians, communications, events organisation, music programming, social development, and basic administration, all as part of a team.
About the RCO
The RCO’s original Royal Charter of 1893, and revised Charters, charge it with the promotion of the arts and practice of organ playing, and choral directing, to the highest standards of competence and artistry, and empower it to implement such standards through examinations.