ACT Organ School

The ACT Organ School was founded in 2003 by the Wesley Music Foundation in collaboration with a number of private schools and churches, who together have provided scholarships and other vital financial support from the outset. It arose in direct response to an acute need for high quality pipe organ teaching in Canberra. Since then over 30 students – from secondary school to mature age – have participated in the program; most play regularly for church services and several are taking their studies further at tertiary level. Lessons are normally given on the magnificent 3-manual Wesley Church organ.

During the first five years of its operation students were guided in their studies by two of Australia’s leading organists, Peter Guy (Director of Music, Newcastle Cathedral) and Philip Swanton (Head of Organ Studies at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music), from whom they also enjoyed regular master classes, workshops and performances.

Philip Swanton now visits Canberra each Thursday afternoon of school terms.

Currently places are extremely limited, though, and tuition is only available for school students of proven aptitude. Pianists in school Years 7-9, who might wish to consider ‘upgrading’ to pipe organ, are welcome to contact the Wesley Music Centre to discuss options. A pass at “credit” level in AMEB Grade 5 piano (or above) is a highly desirable prerequisite.

Details of the 2011 Organ Scholarships are here.

For the last term of 2011 there are eight organ scholars of which seven are newcomers to our program.

Enquiries: 02 6232 7248 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it (Wesley Music Centre)