Victoria Organ Studio
Study the Organ in Vibrant Victoria!
Organ studies are alive and well on Canada's West Coast!
The Victoria Organ Studio was founded in 2021 to educate the next generation of organists through group classes and educational events. The group of students and instructors meet regularly for classes on the iconic Hellmuth Wolff organ at Victoria's Christ Church Cathedral and participate in visits and classes on some of the west coast's most important instruments.
Participants can study at the University of Victoria in the undergraduate or graduate organ programs, or privately with one of the studio instructors who include David Palmer (Professor Emeritus, University of Windsor), David Stratkauskas (Director of Music, Church of St John the Divine in Victoria), Donald Hunt (Director of Music, Christ Church Cathedral, Victoria) and Mark McDonald (University of Victoria School of Music). Many students also hold church positions or organ scholarships including the RCCO beginner organ scholarship.
Interested in learning more? Contact Mark McDonald through the link below.
Organ Studies in Victoria
University of Victoria School of Music
UVic's prestigious School of Music offers flexible and unique programs in music at the undergraduate and graduate level including organ performance. Learn more about UVic's programs at www.uvic.ca/finearts/music
Organ Scholarships through RCCO Victoria Centre
The Royal Canadian College of Organists Victoria Centre offers two scholarship opportunities.
The National Beginner’s Scholarship, funded by the RCCO's College Development Fund, may be awarded to any person who shows ability and promise as an organ student. The award is $600 toward lessons with a qualified organ teacher who is an RCCO member.
The John and Gladys Hart Memorial Scholarship is available to organ students resident on Vancouver Island. The award is $500 toward study with a qualified organ teacher, plus 1 year membership with the RCCO. The study could be private tuition or study at a recognized conservatory or university school of music.
The application deadline for both scholarships is October 15. Both scholarships will be awarded by mid-November, and must be used within the following year.
Organ Scholarships at Christ Church Cathedral and the Anglican Church of St John the Divine
Both Christ Church Cathedral and the Church of St John the Divine in Victoria offer organ scholarships to organ students looking for hands-on training in a dynamic, high-quality church music program. Contact the Directors of Music to learn more about vacancies and conditions of the scholarships.
Christ Church Cathedral:
Anglican Church of St John the Divine: