At a Glance
- Tasks: Sing in a busy Cathedral Choir and mentor young choristers.
- Company: Southwark Cathedral, a historic place of worship with a vibrant community.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, mentorship, and opportunities for extra paid services.
- Other info: Inclusive community with a commitment to safeguarding and equal opportunities.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic choir and enhance your musical career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Talented musicians at the start of their careers.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Southwark Cathedral is looking to appoint three talented and enthusiastic musicians at the start of their musical careers for this year-long scholarship, which provides a wonderful opportunity to gain experience singing in a busy Cathedral Choir, the flagship ensemble of our choral foundation. They will receive mentorship from the Director of Music, Cathedral Organist and Lay Clerks, and opportunities may be available to participate in other areas of the Cathedral’s musical life, such as recitals and partnership work with other organisations.
Choir Context
The choir sings six services a week during term-time, and is made up of girl and boy choristers (generally singing separately), choral scholars and six adult, professional Lay Clerks. Its repertoire spans plainchant and medieval music to contemporary works (many of which were commissioned by the Cathedral), and offers outstanding music to the wide array of congregants, visitors, and members of the wider Diocese who come to worship at the Cathedral each year.
Main Duties And Responsibilities
- Singing services alongside the six professional Lay Clerks as full members of the Cathedral Choir. This includes four Evensongs and one Eucharist each week, plus a variety of special services as dictated by the liturgical year, and as listed on the termly schedule.
- For the right candidate there will be the chance to gain experience working with the probationary choristers, teaching them music theory, and assisting with the newly-formed Junior Choir.
- Additionally, Choral Scholars may be asked on occasion to sing for special services, for which an extra fee is payable.
Key Dates
- Closing date: 11.59pm on Tuesday, June 16th.
- Interviews and auditions are planned for Thursday, June 25th.
Introduction to the Cathedral
Southwark Cathedral has been a place of Christian worship for over 1400 years. Now it stands on the vibrant and exciting regenerated south bank of the Thames surrounded by cultural venues such as Tate Modern, Shakespeare’s Globe and Borough Market, the offices of major companies as well as schools and diverse residential communities. It is an inclusive Christian community that offers a welcome to all.
The Cathedral’s mission, ministry and musical tradition are core to its life as a Cathedral and a parish church serving the community. It also relies on the valuable financial contribution made by its income generating activities such as its shop, café, conference rooms, corporate events and concerts. It is a very busy place, attracting 200,000 visitors a year to the Cathedral, its churchyard and medieval herb garden. The Cathedral relies on a small but dedicated team to be inclusive and welcoming to all.
Southwark Cathedral is committed to being an Equal Opportunities Employer. We believe in promoting and building a diverse and inclusive team, and 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.
Choral Scholar in London employer: The Church of England
Southwark Cathedral offers a unique and enriching environment for Choral Scholars, providing invaluable mentorship from experienced musicians and opportunities to engage in a vibrant musical community. Located on the culturally rich south bank of the Thames, scholars will not only hone their vocal skills but also participate in a diverse array of musical activities, fostering both personal and professional growth within an inclusive and welcoming atmosphere.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Choral Scholar in London
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know Southwark Cathedral! Familiarise yourself with its musical traditions and community vibe. This will help you connect during your audition and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their choral family.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Make sure you’re well-prepared for your audition by rehearsing the pieces you’ll be singing. Consider recording yourself to catch any areas for improvement before the big day.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with current or past Choral Scholars if you can. They can provide insider tips on what to expect and how to shine during your audition. Plus, it’s a great way to build connections in the music community!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing enthusiastic candidates who are keen to join our vibrant musical community.
We think you need these skills to ace Choral Scholar in London
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 draws you to choral singing, especially in a vibrant setting like Southwark Cathedral.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role. Mention specific aspects of the Cathedral's musical life that excite you and how you can contribute.
Be Professional Yet Personal:While we want to see your professional side, don’t forget to inject a bit of your personality into your application. A touch of warmth and enthusiasm can make you stand out from the crowd!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure it gets to the right people and helps us keep track of all the amazing talent out there!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Church of England
✨Know Your Repertoire
Familiarise yourself with the choir's repertoire, especially the pieces mentioned in the job description. Being able to discuss your favourite works and how they resonate with you will show your passion and understanding of the role.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to talk about any previous singing experience, particularly in choral settings. Highlight any mentorship or teaching roles you've had, as this aligns with the responsibilities of working with probationary choristers and the Junior Choir.
✨Understand the Cathedral's Mission
Research Southwark Cathedral’s history and its mission. Being able to articulate how you can contribute to their inclusive community and musical tradition will demonstrate your commitment and fit for the role.
✨Practice Your Audition Piece
If an audition is part of the interview process, choose a piece that showcases your vocal range and emotional expression. Practice thoroughly and consider how you can connect with the audience during your performance.
