RSCM Scottish Voices
RSCM Scottish Voices is an exciting adult choir that aims to draw together some of the most accomplished and experienced church musicians across Scotland (primarily) to perform approximately six times a year in a variety of venues around the country.
RSCM Scottish Voices is one of the four RSCM Voices choirs, and promotes the RSCM’s Voice for Life programme to encourage singing for all.
The Musical Director of the choir is Iain McLarty. Iain is an inspiring musician who brings to RSCM Scottish Voices a wealth of experience as a choral and orchestral conductor, educator, and church musician, with a strong track record of inspiring singers of all ages and abilities.
The choir currently has vacancies for singers in some parts, so if you are aged 18 or over, have experience in church choral singing, and would like to be considered for an audition or would like more information, please email the Choir Administrator via the form below.
Dates for 2025-2026:
Saturday 20 September 2025 – Carlisle Cathedral (Choral Evensong)
Saturday 25 October 2025 – St Aloysius’ Roman Catholic Church, Glasgow (Sung Mass)
Saturday 13 December 2025 – St Ninian’s Cathedral, Perth (Advent Carol Service)
Saturday 7 February 2026 – Dunfermline Abbey (Choral Evensong)
Saturday 14 March 2026 – St Mary’s Episcopal Cathedral, Edinburgh (Choral Evensong)
Saturday 16 May 2026 – St Ninian’s Scottish Episcopal Church, Troon (Choral Evensong)
Who we are
Our members are primarily, but not exclusively, Scotland based and are experienced church choir singers who want to expand their personal repertoire, often beyond what can be achieved in a small local church choir. Additionally, they want to take advantage of the tuition obtained from singing under our professional musicians.
We don’t meet to rehearse between the service days making both sightreading skills and everyone learning the music themselves beforehand very important. The fact that we only meet on the day of a service means that there is no weekly commitment to rehearsals, which suits most people.
Although it’s assumed that everyone will be at every meeting, it’s recognised that we’re all adults who lead busy lives. Inevitably there are times when singers aren’t available, which is fine as long as it’s notified as far in advance as possible. There are usually 40-50 people in the choir, and on average there are generally around 30-40 singers at each service.
FAQs
Q. Who can apply?
A. Preferred membership of Scottish Voices is open to adult members of RSCM-affiliated churches and choirs or Individual/Student members of the RSCM, though RSCM membership is not compulsory. Admission to the choir is by audition. The standard expected of applicants is roughly equivalent to that of RSCM Silver Award level. All members must comply with RSCM Safeguarding requirements. For more information, please contact the choir administrator at administrator@RSCMScottishVoices.org.uk
Q. What does the choir sing?
A. Scottish Voices sing a wide range of repertoire, from Tudor church music to pieces by living composers. Choir members are expected to purchase and bring their own music to singing days. Sometimes, music will be free to download and print.
Q. How much does it cost?
A. Membership of the choir is £120 per annum. This is payable electronically in 1, 2 or 4 instalments. Members are also expected to buy their own music, unless instructed to download print a specified free version.
Q. How do I apply to join?
A. Applicants should contact the choir administrator using the form below, or via email at administrator@RSCMScottishVoices.org.uk. A date, time and location for an audition can then be arranged.
Iain McLarty – Director of Scottish Voices
Iain has extensive experience as a choral and orchestral conductor, including as the current Music Director of the Scottish Chamber Choir. He also works for the Wild Goose Resource Group of the Iona Community, developing and delivering workshops in music and worship and producing new resources. He was editor of the Church of Scotland’s latest hymnbook ‘God Welcomes All’ and has been regularly involved in planning and leading worship for the World Council of Churches. He is currently undertaking doctoral study in church music at Perkins School of Theology, Southern Methodist University, Dallas.
