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 dedicated to welcoming everyone.
- 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
Closing date: 11.59pm on Tuesday, June 16th. Interviews are planned for Friday, June 26th.
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 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 for mentorship from experienced professionals, involvement in diverse musical activities, and a commitment to inclusivity and community engagement, this role is perfect for those looking to grow their skills in a historic and culturally rich setting. The Cathedral's location near iconic landmarks and its welcoming atmosphere make it an exceptional place to start a musical career.
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 for the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your conducting and accompaniment skills. Be ready to discuss your musical journey and how you can contribute to the Cathedral's vibrant music department.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion! When you get the chance, share your love for music and how it aligns with the Cathedral's mission. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly cares about the role.
✨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 candidates who take the initiative to engage with us directly.
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 our vibrant musical community.
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 show us how you fit in!
Be Professional but Authentic:While we appreciate a professional tone, don’t forget to be yourself! Use your own voice in your application to convey your personality. We want to get to know the real you, so let that authenticity come through.
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 The Church of England
✨Know Your Repertoire
Make sure you’re well-versed in the pieces you’ll be expected to perform. Familiarise yourself with the organ’s specifications and the music department's style. This will not only show your dedication but also help you feel more confident during the performance part of the interview.
✨Research Southwark Cathedral
Take some time to learn about Southwark Cathedral’s history, its musical traditions, and its community involvement. Understanding the Cathedral's mission and values will allow you to tailor your responses and demonstrate how you can contribute to their vibrant environment.
✨Prepare for Practical Demonstrations
Be ready to showcase your skills in choral accompaniment and conducting. Practise these elements beforehand, as they are crucial for the role. You might even want to prepare a short recital piece that highlights your strengths and versatility as a musician.
✨Show Enthusiasm and Willingness to Learn
Express your passion for music and eagerness to grow within the role. The scholarship is an opportunity for learning, so highlight your openness to mentorship and collaboration with the Director of Music and other team members. This attitude will resonate well with the interviewers.
