University of Surrey - University of Surrey/Guildford Cathedral Organ Scholarship/Music Assistantship

Guildford Cathedral Organ Scholarship

You will receive a salary of about 1,420 EUR per month (approximately 14,874 GBP per year), paid monthly over a period of nine months. You will also be provided with free single accommodation in a shared house with the cathedral’s professional singers. In addition to your salary, you will receive one-to-one tuition from the cathedral organist and deputy organist as required, as well as subsidised organ lessons worth approximately 150 GBP per year. The post runs from 1 September to 31 August of the following year and is confirmed following a three-month probationary period. In return, you will accompany and support the cathedral choir. You will play at Vespers and Sunday services, assist with conducting choir rehearsals, teach young singers and give two organ recitals during the year. You should expect to be on site for around six days a week during the school year.

Who can apply

• Level: You’ve just finished your degree, or you’re planning to take a gap year either before or between your degree programmes.
• Playing standard: You’re already playing the organ to a high standard.
• Experience: You’ve accompanied a choir before.
• Nationality: Any nationality can apply.
• Background check: All job vacancies are subject to positive references and an extended DBS check, the UK criminal records check for working with children.

How to apply

Please email your application form, a covering letter of no more than 350 words, your CV and your references to the cathedral’s liturgy and music officer. The closing date for applications is 15 September. Shortlisted candidates will be invited shortly afterwards to an audition, an interview and a tour of the shared accommodation.

How realistic are your chances?

Only one scholarship holder is selected each year, and you must already be able to play the organ to a high standard and have substantial experience in accompanying choirs. The pool of applicants is therefore small but strong. If you are an experienced organist looking for a gap year or your first post after graduation, and can demonstrate solid experience in choral accompaniment, your chances are good. Make sure you apply well in advance of the September deadline, as the single place is filled as soon as a candidate has been confirmed.