Choral Scholar - 2026-2027 Scholarship in Liverpool

Liverpool Cathedral are inviting applications for the position of a Tenor Choral Scholar to join our music team. This role is ideal for outstanding gap year, undergraduate or postgraduate students. However, all applications will be considered equally. The appointment is from September 2026 to August 2027 with the option of a further year if progress is satisfactory.

An enhanced DBS application will be required for this role. The scholarship is provided by the cathedral's music trust, the Francis Neilson Trust, set up for the education of young singers in the cathedral. Scholars will assist with some mentoring of the choristers on a rotational basis. The scholarship is worth £5,421 p.a. paid by monthly instalments with extra fees for special services. Singing lessons are included. There is shared scholar accommodation available on the cathedral campus. Rent is free, but scholars share the bills for gas, electricity and water. They can apply for a large reduction in council tax.

The Choral Scholar will be fully involved in the busy life of the Music Department, singing alongside the Vicars Choral and choristers in the cathedral choir. The department is friendly and welcoming, and a number of social events are part of the experience. Scholars will be welcome and encouraged to join the cathedral's youth group (18-25) known as the Overcrofters.

The cathedral choir has an extensive repertoire ranging from music of the renaissance to contemporary works, both in English and Latin, and has made several acclaimed recordings, broadcasts and tours. Concert work is an important part of the choir’s work, and they frequently join with the choir of the Metropolitan Cathedral for concerts and services, as well as the choirs of Manchester and Chester Cathedrals each year for a joint choral evensong. The cathedral choir supports a termly concert in the cathedral as part of the extensive choral outreach within the city and also gives a termly concert in a Diocesan church. New works are commissioned regularly, and there is plenty of challenging music to sing.

The Choral Scholar is expected to attend all choral rehearsals and services as per the schedule. The rest of the schedule is negotiable as we understand that scholars might have university studies or wish to take on part-time work.

• Monday: Free day (apart from rota for chorister mentorship and supervision 3.30 - 4.15pm)
• Tuesday: Rehearsal and evensong 4.45pm - 6pm / Scholar-rehearsal 6 - 7.30pm
• Wednesday: No regular duties
• Thursday: Rehearsal and evensong 4.45pm - 6pm / Scholar-rehearsal 6 - 7.30pm
• Friday: Rehearsal and evensong 4.45pm - 6pm
• Saturday: Choir rehearsal and evensong 1.50 - 4.00pm
• Sunday: Choir rehearsal and Eucharist 9.20 - 11.45am, Choir Rehearsal and Evensong 1.50 - 4.00pm

In addition, there will be a small number of occasions each term when the Choral Scholars will be asked to sing in concert performances with the cathedral choirs, attend choir tours, and assist with the choral outreach programme, including the cathedral’s Junior and Youth choirs and adult community choir. This position will be particularly attractive to candidates considering a portfolio career, including some work in schools as part of the cathedral’s extensive outreach programme.

The ideal candidate will be punctual, reliable and respectful at all times. They will be personable and honest in all of their work and tasks. As well as a fine singing voice within the correct vocal ranges, very good sight reading is essential, as is the willingness to spend time preparing music for the services and concerts. The successful candidate will show an excellent example to the choristers in terms of deportment and behaviour. They will keep their accommodation clean and tidy and have respect for neighbours on campus.

Successful candidates should be willing to complete a self-declaration and make an enhanced application for DBS to satisfy our requirements under Safeguarding. They should also provide proof of their right to work in the UK and offer two references that are acceptable to us.

Music at Liverpool Cathedral is renowned for being among the first in the world to offer musical engagement opportunities to people of every age, from new-born upwards. This manifests itself in the provision of an early-years music education programme, a Schools Singing Programme, three Outreach Choirs (junior, youth and adult) as well as the traditional Cathedral Choir which provides music at 7 choral services each week during choir term, including services at key points in the liturgical year.

The Cathedral Music Department comprises a Director of Music, Cathedral Organist, Associate Organist, Liturgy & Music Administrator, Director of Choral Outreach, Assistant Choral Director and Organ Scholar. These are in addition to a large team of volunteer Choir Guardians and parent supervisors.

Liverpool Cathedral is a place of spiritual and cultural significance for the city and region of Liverpool. From its foundation in the early part of the 20th century, it has existed as a community and building built by the people, for the people to the glory of God. Liverpool Cathedral is more than an iconic Grade 1* listed building. It’s a vibrant, active place that the people of the city, regions and world encounter in many ways.

Working for Liverpool Cathedral will bring you into a community that seeks to make those encounters happen. You will be someone who can subscribe to, and live out, our values of excellence, dynamic, integrity and inclusivity. You will have the benefits of working in a landmark building with colleagues who are serious about work-life balance, generous holiday allowances and access to an Employee Assistance Programme.

Our values underpin the culture of working for Liverpool Cathedral:

• Integrity: We act honourably and truthfully and display consistency of character. We show respect to all recognising how we speak and act affects others. We uphold high standards and are accountable for our behaviour.
• Inclusivity: We actively co-operate with one another and value our differences, solving problems by listening and finding solutions together, always treating everyone fairly and promoting participation.
• Excellence: We go that ‘extra mile’ and follow through on our commitments, consistently delivering the highest quality of service to all.
• Dynamic: We actively embrace change, welcome progress and display enthusiasm, passion and enjoyment for our work.