At a Glance
- Tasks: Play, conduct, and support the Cathedral Choir while gaining hands-on experience in music administration.
- Company: Join the vibrant Southwark Cathedral, a historic place of worship with a rich musical tradition.
- Benefits: Receive mentorship from experienced musicians and perform on a renowned organ.
- Other info: Be part of an inclusive community that values diversity and offers growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Kickstart your musical career in a dynamic environment surrounded by cultural landmarks.
- Qualifications: Passion for music and willingness to learn; experience in performance is a plus.
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 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, 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 in London employer: The Church of England
Southwark Cathedral offers a unique and enriching environment for aspiring musicians through its Organ Scholar programme, providing hands-on experience in a vibrant music department. With opportunities to perform, conduct, and engage in administrative tasks, scholars benefit from mentorship by experienced professionals while being part of an inclusive community that values diversity and creativity. Located in the culturally rich area of the South Bank, this role not only enhances musical skills but also fosters personal growth within a supportive and welcoming atmosphere.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Organ Scholar in London
✨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 for the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for your interview by practising common questions related to music and conducting. Think about how you can contribute to the Cathedral's music department and be ready to share your ideas on enhancing their musical offerings.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills! If you have recordings of your performances or any relevant projects, bring them along to the interview. This will give the panel a taste of your talent and passion for music.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Southwark Cathedral team.
We think you need these skills to ace Organ 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 drives you to be a musician. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role and how it aligns with our vibrant musical community at Southwark Cathedral.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences match the specific duties of the Organ Scholar position. We’re looking for someone who can contribute to our busy music department, so be clear about how you can do that!
Be Professional Yet Personal:While we appreciate a professional tone, don’t be afraid to inject a bit of your personality into your application. We’re a welcoming community, and we want to get to know the real you! Share anecdotes or experiences that reflect your character and approach to music.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure it reaches us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and the application process right there.
How to prepare for a job interview at The 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's specifications and any specific works that are significant to Southwark Cathedral's music tradition.
✨Show Your Passion for Music
During the interview, let your enthusiasm for music shine through. Share your experiences, what inspires you, and how you envision contributing to the Cathedral's music department. This will help demonstrate your commitment to the role.
✨Prepare for Practical Demonstrations
Be ready to showcase your skills on the organ or in conducting. Practise performing under pressure, as you may be asked to play or conduct a short piece. This is your chance to impress them with your musicality and confidence.
✨Understand the Role's Responsibilities
Familiarise yourself with the various duties outlined in the job description, such as training choristers and managing the choir library. Be prepared to discuss how you would approach these tasks and any relevant experience you have.
