The RSCM is delighted to be working with the Church of England on an initiative to help up to 200 parish churches across England establish or renew choirs for children and young people.

Interest in sacred choral music is growing, with renewed enthusiasm for choral evensong and a campaign to recognise English sacred choral music as UNESCO Living Heritage. Cathedral choirs are thriving – reaching a record 207 in 2024 – yet many parish churches struggle to engage younger generations. In fact, half of Church of England choirs currently include no children.

The Choir Project aims to reverse this trend by placing music at the heart of mission and discipleship, offering young people meaningful participation, community and leadership through singing. Funded by the Church of England’s Strategic Mission and Ministry Investment Board, the programme will be delivered by RSCM, the Church of England’s official music agency.

Over three years, The Choir Project will:

• support up to 200 churches in diverse settings
• engage around 2,400 young people
• train 300 new choir leaders
• mobilise 500 volunteers

The programme draws on research showing that young people are more likely to remain active in church when they are given responsibility, intergenerational relationships and visible roles.

Its impact is already evident in places such as Loftus Parish near Saltburn, where starting a children’s choir increased weekly participation from two children to up to eighteen, and led to a new choir in the local primary school.

Hugh Morris, RSCM Director, said: ‘Church choirs have long been one of the most natural and joyful ways for young people to encounter faith and develop confidence and belonging. This investment enables churches to renew that tradition and ensure a strong future for music ministry across all communities.’

If you would like to keep up with the latest news regarding The Choir Project, email us at choirproject@rscm.com

For more information about the Young Voice Toolkit and Network, attend our dedicated online event here.

A full press release will follow in due course.