The RSCM has launched the Young Voices Toolkit, a brand new, step-by-step online guide to setting up a junior choir, created in consultation with David Fawcett, composer and Assistant Director of Music at St Mary the Virgin in Swanage, with additional resources created by Oliver Walker, Junior Choirs Project Officer.

These new resources will provide inspiration and practical support for churches which wish to strengthen or rebuild the tradition of children and young people leading music in worship. This is part of a wider initiative, placing young people firmly at the centre of the RSCM’s purposes and activities as it approaches its centenary in 2027.

Find out more about the Toolkit at the online launch event on Wednesday 2 April (7.00pm BST) when Hugh Morris (RSCM Director) and David Fawcett will introduce the resource, and the new network of support for those working with young people. Book a place here.

What’s in the Young Voices Toolkit?

• a step-by-step guide to involving children and young people in leading music in worship
• an opportunity to learn from others who have built junior choirs in their churches
• inspiring case studies on approaches that others have taken
• practical guidance notes on how to recruit, retain and develop your young singers

Alongside the step-by-step guide to getting children and young people leading music in worship (available to everyone, whether or not they are RSCM members), the Young Voices Toolkit provides detailed Guidance Notes on particular issues, and short Case Studies, which set out the approach taken in an individual church to certain aspects of building a junior choir. It is hoped that these resources will offer inspiration and guidance to those who want to start a junior church choir. They are available as downloads to RSCM members only.