Choral Course 4:
York St John University, York
Tuesday 11th August – Monday 17th August 2026
Director
Director: Simon Toyne
Simon Toyne has been a Director of the Rodolfus Choral Courses since 2012, leading courses every summer in Cambridge, Cheltenham, Durham, Liverpool, Oxford and York, and conducting several BBC Radio 3 broadcasts. One of the country’s leading music educators and choral conductors, he received his musical training as a chorister in Exeter Cathedral Choir and music scholar at Eton College, later becoming Organ Scholar of University College, Oxford. For 24 years, he was Director of the Tiffin Boys’ Choir, preparing them for projects with the major conductors and orchestras in the world, a post he held concurrently with Director of Music at Kingston Parish Church. He is currently Executive Director of Music of the 36 schools of the David Ross Education Trust, and has contributed to the development of the National Plan for Music Education and the Model Music Curriculum. He is Music Director of the Northampton Bach Choir, and is a trustee of the Cathedral Music Trust.
Visits & guests
CONSORT MASTERCLASS: Paul Smith
Paul Smith is an innovative and creative performer, conductor, composer, an inspirational educator and an empowering public speaker. As co-founder of Grammy-nominated VOCES8, author of the VOCES8 method and CEO of the VOCES8 Foundation, his annual programme sees him working globally in prestigious concert venues, festivals, schools, universities and wider communities.
VISITING DIRECTOR: Ralph Allwood
Ralph Allwood is the Founding Artistic Director of the Rodolfus Choral Foundation and we are delighted he is able to visit each Senior Choral Course this year to teach the students.
FELDENKRAIS TUTOR: Marilla Homes
The Feldenkrais Method is a system of gentle movement and mindful attention to help individuals improve posture, flexibility and overall awareness. It is particularly helpful for singers and actors where body alignment is important. Marilla has taught Feldenkrais in Melbourne, Australia before moving to England. She is a classically trained singer and regularly works with singers and performers.
SERVICES: York Minster
The choral course choir will be singing two Evensongs and one Eucharist service during the week at the magnificent York Minster in the heart of this historic city.
About the Venue
York St John University, often abbreviated to YSJ, is a public university located on a large urban campus in York, England. Established in 1841, it achieved university status in 2006 and in 2015 was given research degree awarding powers for PhD and other doctoral programmes.
Age Range
You must be between the ages of 16 and 21 to apply for this course. If you are 15, you must currently be in Year 11. If you are in year 10, and a very experienced choral singer, you may be able to attend a senior course in Oxford. Otherwise, please take a look at our Junior Choral Courses.
Cost & Payment Options
The cost of this course is £1180 There are a number of payment options available:
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£250 deposit followed by an invoice to pay the remaining balance via a bank transfer by 31st March 2026.
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£250 deposit followed by two invoices – one to pay 50% of the remaining balance by 31st March 2026 and the other to pay the remainder by 30th June 2026.
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The full £1180 on application using a credit card (plus a 1.5% Stripe transaction fee).
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A monthly payment plan to be completed 6 weeks before the start of the course (30th June 2026) following a deposit of £250 on application. (monthly payments will be subject to a 1.5% Stripe processing fee).
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Through one of the Foundation’s means-tested bursaries. See more below.
The refund policy is the same whichever payment option you choose. A full refund is available if you cancel the place by 5pm on 30th June 2026. 50% refund is available if cancelled after 5pm on 30th June and before 5pm on 21st July 2026. No refund is available if you cancel after 5pm on 21st July 2026. (Stripe processing fees are not refundable.)