At a Glance
- Tasks: Play, conduct, and support the Cathedral Choir while gaining hands-on experience in music administration.
- Company: Southwark Cathedral, a vibrant hub for musical talent and community.
- Benefits: Year-long scholarship with mentorship, performance opportunities, and professional development.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to inclusivity and safeguarding.
- Why this job: Kickstart your musical career in a supportive environment and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Passion for music and eagerness to learn; experience is a plus but not essential.
The predicted salary is between 18000 - 25000 £ per year.
Southwark Cathedral is looking to appoint a talented and enthusiastic musician at the start of their musical career for this year-long scholarship, which provides a wonderful opportunity to gain experience in all aspects of a busy Cathedral music department. Learning opportunities will include playing recitals, accompanying the Cathedral Choir, training the choristers, and occasionally directing services. They will gain experience in choral accompaniment, conducting, rehearsing, and performing solo repertoire on Southwark’s renowned T.C. Lewis organ, and will receive mentorship from the Director of Music and Cathedral Organist. They will also gain experience in the administration of a Cathedral’s music department, through attending occasional meetings, providing some administrative support, and ensuring the choir library is kept in order.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
- Playing, conducting or page-turning for sung services as agreed with the Cathedral Organist
- Taking a share of rehearsing the probationary choristers and teaching music theory
- Giving a termly organ recital in the Monday lunchtime series, and occasionally acting as host and guide to visiting recitalists, including page-turning
- Taking a share of the general administration required of a busy music department, and overseeing the choir library
- Additionally, the Organ Scholar may be asked to play for special services, for which an extra fee is payable
Southwark Cathedral is committed to being an Equal Opportunities Employer. We believe in promoting and building a diverse and inclusive team, workplace, culture and governance structures that are welcoming to and respectful of all. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified people whatever their ethnicity, background, age, disability, long term condition, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by law. Southwark Cathedral is committed to a culture of safeguarding, especially for children, young people, and vulnerable adults. The Cathedral has adopted the Church of England policy statement ‘Promoting a Safer Church (2017)’, Safeguarding Learning and Development (2024) and the Safer Recruitment and People Management Guidance (2021). Every member of our team is recruited according to these policies and is required to complete safeguarding training. This role requires an Enhanced DBS check with checks against the child-barring lists.
Organ Scholar employer: Church of England
Southwark Cathedral offers a unique and enriching environment for aspiring musicians through its Organ Scholar programme. This year-long scholarship not only provides hands-on experience in a vibrant music department but also fosters personal and professional growth with mentorship from experienced professionals. The inclusive work culture and commitment to safeguarding ensure a supportive atmosphere where every individual can thrive and contribute meaningfully to the Cathedral's musical heritage.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Organ Scholar
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow musicians, mentors, and anyone in the music scene. Attend local concerts or events at Southwark Cathedral to make connections and show your enthusiasm.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for your audition by practising specific pieces that showcase your skills on the T.C. Lewis organ. Don’t forget to brush up on your conducting and choral accompaniment techniques!
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for music administration! Familiarise yourself with how a busy music department operates. Being proactive about helping with the choir library or administrative tasks can really set you apart.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Organ Scholar
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Music:When writing your application, let your love for music shine through! Share your experiences and what drives you to be a musician. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role and how it aligns with your career goals.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to fit the Organ Scholar position at Southwark Cathedral. Highlight relevant skills like choral accompaniment or conducting experience. We appreciate when applicants take the time to connect their background to our needs!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We want to understand your qualifications and passion without wading through unnecessary fluff!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at Southwark Cathedral!
How to prepare for a job interview at Church of England
✨Know Your Repertoire
Make sure you have a solid understanding of the pieces you might be asked to perform during the interview. Familiarise yourself with the organ music that is relevant to Southwark Cathedral and be ready to showcase your skills on the T.C. Lewis organ.
✨Show Your Passion for Music
During the interview, let your enthusiasm for music shine through. Talk about your experiences, what inspires you, and how you see yourself contributing to the Cathedral's music department. This role is all about passion, so make sure they feel it!
✨Prepare for Practical Demonstrations
Be ready for any practical assessments, whether it's playing, conducting, or even page-turning. Practise these skills beforehand so you can demonstrate your competence and confidence when it matters most.
✨Understand the Role's Responsibilities
Familiarise yourself with the main duties and responsibilities outlined in the job description. Be prepared to discuss how your skills align with these tasks, especially in areas like choral accompaniment and administration within a busy music department.
