The role of Organ Scholar will work alongside leading musicians in our Music department, and will be expected to play a full part in the musical life of St Paul's. The main duties are to accompany the Cathedral Choir at Evensong at least once a week, provide pre-service music before some services, and assist in the training of probationary and other Choristers.
This scholarship presents an exciting opportunity for a postgraduate, or exceptional final year undergraduate student, who wishes to become an outstanding performer on the organ, both as soloist and accompanist.
The successful candidate will:
* continue the development of their musical expertise through practice, performance and observation;
* receive advice and support in choir training and conducting, liturgical accompaniment, solo playing and improvisation;
* have the opportunity to conduct in the Cathedral, which includes working with the fully professional ensemble of Vicars Choral as well as the Choristers and the professional mixed voice Cathedral Consort;
* become familiar with our musical and liturgical life, together with the daily music routines, and will have the opportunity to assist with the planning for liturgies and special services; and
* develop teamworking and pastoral skills through interaction with colleagues across St Paul's.
Main responsibilities
* Accompany the Cathedral Choir at Evensong at least once a week.
* Play for some “non-choral” services - including the 5.30pm services on a Sunday.
* Provide 25 minutes of music before Sunday Evensong, or before the morning services, as a prelude to the liturgies.
* Provide voluntaries after some services as required.
* Perform 3 recitals in the Sunday organ recital series.
* Play for visiting choirs on some weekdays and on some Sundays when the Cathedral Choir is on holiday (in rotation with the other organists).
* Greet visiting organists and assist them when required.
* Assist the other Cathedral organists at the console for services.
* Assist in the training of probationary and other Choristers.
* Play for St Paul's Cathedral School assemblies (once a week during term time).
* Share in the administrative workload of the Music department, including typesetting of manuscripts, copying of hymn tune booklets, assisting with the administration for visiting choirs, proofreading and attendance at the weekly Music department meeting.
* Act as Assistant Choir Librarian - approximately three hours a week.
The ideal candidate
We're committed to finding an Organ Scholar who:
* wishes to become an exceptional performer on the organ, both as soloist and accompanist;
* has a lively interest in and proven experience of working within the English choral tradition;
* has an awareness of the rich liturgical and musical heritage of the Church of England;
* is a graduate, or will be a graduate by September 2026. Exceptional final year undergraduate students may be considered;
* displays an enterprising and imaginative approach to personal musical development;
* is able to work calmly, particularly when performing at high profile, pressured occasions;
* is able to work as part of a close-knit team in the Music department, and also engage with the wider Cathedral community; and
* has experience and knowledge of safeguarding requirements and procedures.
The closing date for applications is 11.59pm, Sunday 19th October 2025,and auditions and interviews will take place on the morning of the 4th November 2025.
For further information please contact our Organist, James Orford .
St Paul's Cathedral - Job Description - Organ Scholar 2026 - 2027
St Paul's Cathedral - Values and Terms - Organ Scholar 2026 - 2027
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