“The best week of music education!”
About The Choral Courses
The Choral Courses have been providing opportunities for young singers from around the world to learn excellent choral singing from leading educators for almost 45 years. There are no auditions required—only enthusiasm and a love of singing. Bursaries, available as part of the course application process, provided financial assistance to a third of participants in 2024.
History Of The Choral Courses
Founded by Artistic Director Ralph Allwood, the first course for 16 to 21 year olds was held at Uppingham School in 1980. It later became known as the Eton Choral Courses before eventually adopting the same name as The Rodolfus Choir as part of the transition to the Foundation
Since 2011, the Junior Choral Courses have extended this training to younger singers aged 8 to 15. There are no auditions—only enthusiasm to learn—resulting in life-changing experiences and lasting friendships.
“The Choral Courses were the musical and social high-point each year; they were weeks filled with laughter and inspiration. To make music at this level with like-minded peers in such an intense environment stays with anyone who participates for a lifetime. A senior course readies you for a world of University, College or professional singing and music-making in a way few other courses can. So many of the people I met there have become life-long friends, and we all share this meeting-point in our lives, and such good memories of the Choral Courses, whether some of us have branched off into other fields or forged a career in music.”
SENIOR CHORAL COURSES
The Senior Courses in 2024 were held at Royal Holloway, University of London, St. Edward’s School in Oxford, Selwyn College in Cambridge, and St. Peter’s School in York, with a non-residential course also available in Liverpool.
Participants receive instruction from leading professionals in choral music and classical singing, focusing on sacred choral services and consort repertoire at a high standard. They engage in solo masterclasses with visiting professionals and enjoy two private singing lessons throughout the week.
Organists and accompanists also gain invaluable experience playing diverse repertoire and accompanying services on the organ.
JUNIOR CHORAL COURSES
The Junior Choral Courses were held in 2024 at Wellington College and Winchester, attracting 50 to 60 young participants.
The repertoire includes classical works such as Bach's Magnificat, Britten’s Missa Brevis, and Mozart’s Requiem, often performed with the Brandenburg Sinfonia, along with lighter selections from musical theatre and the Great American Songbook.
Participants enjoy whole-choir practice, age-specific consort groups, an informal instrumental concert, a changing voices programme, and plenty of games and good food throughout the week. Many return year after year as they enjoy coming on the course so much.