The scholarship presents an opportunity for a post-graduate, or exceptional final year undergraduate student, who wishes to become an exceptional performer on the organ, both as soloist and accompanist. 

The role of Organ Scholar will work alongside leading musicians in the high profile Cathedral Music Department and will be expected to play a full part in the musical life of the Cathedral. The main duties are to accompany the Cathedral Choir at Evensong at least once a week, provide pre-service music before some services and assist in the training of probationary and other choristers

The Organ Scholar

• is expected to continue the development of their musical expertise through practice, performance and observation;
• will receive advice and support in choir training and conducting, liturgical accompaniment, solo playing and improvisation;
• will have the opportunity to conduct in the Cathedral which includes working with the fully professional ensemble of Vicars Choral as well as the Choristers and the professional mixed voice Cathedral Consort;
• will become familiar with the musical and liturgical life of a great Cathedral, together with the daily routines of the musical function within that life and will have the opportunity to assist with the planning for liturgies and special services; and
• will develop team working and pastoral skills through interaction with colleagues within the Music Department and the Cathedral, and with Vicars Choral and Choristers.

Main Responsibilities

The Organ Scholar will be expected to undertake the following duties:

• accompany the Cathedral Choir at Evensong at least once a week.
• play for some “non-choral” services - including the 5.30pm services on a Sunday.
• provide 25 minutes of music before Sunday Evensong, or before the morning services, as a prelude to the liturgies.
• provide voluntaries after some services as required.
• perform 3 recitals in the Sunday organ recital series.
• play for visiting choirs on some weekdays and on some Sundays when the Cathedral Choir is on holiday (in rotation with the other organists).
• greet visiting organists and assist them when required.
• assist the other Cathedral organists at the console for services.
• assist in the training of probationary and other choristers.
• play for Cathedral School assemblies (once a week during term time).
• share in the administrative workload of the Music Department, including typesetting of manuscripts, copying of hymn tune booklets, assisting with the administration for visiting choirs, proofreading and attendance at the weekly music department meeting.
• act as Assistant Choir Librarian (approx. 3 hours a week).

The Ideal Candidate

The Cathedral Chapter are committed to finding an Organ Scholar who:

• wishes to become an exceptional performer on the organ, both as soloist and accompanist;
• has a lively interest in and proven experience of working within the English choral tradition;
• has an awareness of the rich liturgical and musical heritage of the Church of England;
• is a graduate or will be a graduate by September 2026. Exceptional final year undergraduate students may be considered;
• displays an enterprising and imaginative approach to personal musical development;
• is able to work calmly, particularly when performing at high profile, pressured occasions;
• is able to work as part of a close-knit team in the Music Department, and also engage with the wider cathedral community; and
• has experience and knowledge of safeguarding requirements and procedures.

The closing date for applications is 23:59, Sunday 19th October 2025 and auditions and interviews will take place on the morning of the 4th November 2025.

For further information please contact:

James Orford, Organist

e-mail jorford@stpaulscathedral.org.uk