At a Glance
- Tasks: Join Westminster Abbey as an Organ Scholar and develop your musical skills while assisting the music staff.
- Company: Westminster Abbey, a world-renowned choral foundation with a rich musical tradition.
- Benefits: Receive a stipend, accommodation allowance, and discounts at Abbey shops and cafes.
- Other info: Enjoy 31 days of holiday and opportunities for private tuition funding.
- Why this job: Gain unique experience in a historic setting and enhance your organ repertoire.
- Qualifications: Talented musician with a passion for choral music and commitment to learning.
The predicted salary is between 16400 - 21400 £ per year.
Westminster Abbey is seeking to recruit an organ scholar from 1 September 2027 . This one-year postgraduate scholarship provides an exciting and unique opportunity for a talented musician to work at Westminster Abbey and acquire extensive experience as a member of the music staff of one of the world's great choral foundations. The element of apprenticeship and training is crucial. You will assist the Organist and Master of the Choristers and his colleagues in all aspects of their work. Under their guidance you will be encouraged to develop skills in playing choral and non-choral services to the highest standard, in addition to developing and expanding your organ repertory. You will also assist in training the junior boys and will have opportunities to direct the Lay Vicars in Abbey services.
The successful candidate is also expected to contribute generally to the day-to-day musical affairs of the Abbey and act as A ssistant C hoir L ibrarian.
Status
The scholarship tenure is for one year from 1 September 2027 to 31 August 2028.
Stipend
A stipend of £21,506.47 will be paid, together with additional fees for any special services at which the Organ Scholar plays. This figure includes payment for work in the choir library.
Working Hours
The Organ Scholar's hours of work are broadly determined by the schedule of choral services and rehearsals as set out above. Over the course of the scholarship the average weekly time commitment is expected to be 27 hours, with more hours required during term time and fewer outside of term. The Organ Scholar is normally entitled to at least one day per week free of Abbey commitments, by arrangement with the Organist and Master of the Choristers.
Accommodation
A reasonable accommodation allowance may be available, if needed.
Annual Holidays
The holiday entitlement for full time staff is 33 days per annum, including the eight recognised public holidays. The holiday entitlement for this post will be calculated accordingly, also taking into account the requirement to work on Sundays and public holidays for much of the year. Holidays must be agreed in advance with the Organist and Master of the Choristers and may normally only be taken during Abbey Choir vacations.
Training
The Organ Scholar is expected to continue their organ studies throughout the period of the scholarship. The schedule of tuition must be agreed with the Organist and Master of the Choristers to avoid conflicting with the scholar's duties. Westminster Abbey will normally be able to assist with the funding of private tuition to a level agreed by the Organist.
Pension Scheme and Life Assurance
All employees can join a Group Personal Pension plan, where the minimum employee contribution is 3% and the maximum employer contribution is 9% (as determined by the level of the employee contribution). You will be auto-enrolled into our qualifying workplace pension scheme after 3 months, if you meet the eligibility criteria. All employees are covered by death-in-service life assurance, whether or not they choose to join the pension scheme.
Staff Discount
All employees receive a 20% discount on purchases from the Westminster Abbey shop and a 30% discount on purchases from the Benugo outlets, which serve refreshments.
Season Ticket Loan
A season ticket loan is offered after satisfactory completion of a probationary period, repayable over 10 months.
Medical Insurance
The Abbey will pay 50% of premiums to join a nominated medical insurance scheme after one year's employment.
Uniform
If a uniform and/or Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is provided, this must be worn at all times.
Careers Site Advertising End Date Advertising End Date:
21 Sep 2026
All Locations All Locations:
Westminster, London
Section Section:
Music
Vacancy Type Vacancy Type:
Fixed Term Part -Time
Advertising Salary Salary Details:
Contracted Hours Contracted Hours:
27
Proposed Interview Date Proposed Interview Date
Careers Site Advertising End Date Advertising End Date:
09 Aug 2026
All Locations All Locations:
Westminster, London
Section Section:
Works
Vacancy Type Vacancy Type:
Permanent Full-Time
Advertising Salary Salary Details:
Contracted Hours Contracted Hours:
40
Proposed Interview Date Proposed Interview Date
Careers Site Advertising End Date Advertising End Date:
26 Aug 2026
All Locations All Locations:
Westminster, London
Section Section:
Canons
Vacancy Type Vacancy Type:
Fixed Term Full-Time
Advertising Salary Salary Details:
Please refer to the application pack for details on stipend and time commitment
Contracted Hours Contracted Hours:
0
Proposed Interview Date Proposed Interview Date
Careers Site Advertising End Date Advertising End Date:
16 Aug 2026
All Locations All Locations:
Westminster, London
Section Section:
Music
Vacancy Type Vacancy Type:
Advertising Salary Salary Details:
£14.80 per hour
Contracted Hours Contracted Hours:
0
Proposed Interview Date Proposed Interview Date
Careers Site Advertising End Date Advertising End Date:
11 Aug 2026
All Locations All Locations:
Westminster, London
Section Section:
Human Resources
Vacancy Type Vacancy Type:
Advertising Salary Salary Details:
This is a voluntary role.
Contracted Hours Contracted Hours:
0
Proposed Interview Date Proposed Interview Date
Organ Scholar employer: WESTMINSTER ABBEY
Westminster Abbey is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to work in a historic and inspiring environment. With a strong commitment to employee wellbeing and development, staff are encouraged to grow within their roles while contributing to the rich musical heritage of the Abbey. The collaborative work culture fosters a sense of community, making it a rewarding place for those passionate about music and education.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Organ Scholar
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to musicians and professionals in the choral scene, especially those connected to Westminster Abbey. Attend concerts, workshops, or any events where you can meet them and chat about your passion for music.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your skills! Create a video of yourself playing the organ or conducting a choir. Share it on social media or send it directly to contacts at Westminster Abbey. This gives them a taste of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching Westminster Abbey’s music department. Know their history, their current projects, and how you can contribute. This shows your genuine interest and helps you stand out from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. 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 as a musician. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role and how it aligns with our values at Westminster Abbey.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight relevant skills and experiences that match the Organ Scholar role. We’re looking for specific examples of your work with choirs or organ performance, so don’t hold back!
Be Professional Yet Personal:While we appreciate a professional tone, don’t forget to inject a bit of your personality into your application. We want to get to know you as a person, not just a list of qualifications. A personal touch can make all the difference!
Apply Through Our Website:Remember to submit your application through our official website. It’s the best way to ensure it reaches us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the application process there!
How to prepare for a job interview at WESTMINSTER ABBEY
✨Know Your Repertoire
Make sure you have a solid understanding of the organ repertoire, especially pieces that are relevant to choral services. Be prepared to discuss your favourite works and how they relate to the role at Westminster Abbey.
✨Show Your Passion for Music
During the interview, let your enthusiasm for music shine through. Share experiences that highlight your dedication to your craft, whether it's performances, collaborations, or teaching moments with junior musicians.
✨Prepare for Practical Demonstrations
You might be asked to demonstrate your playing skills during the interview. Practice performing a couple of pieces that showcase your technical ability and expressiveness, as this will give the interviewers a clear sense of your musicality.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the role and the music department. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you understand how you can contribute to the Abbey's musical community.
