University of Exeter - Crediton Parish Church Scholarship

Crediton Parish Church Scholarship

You will receive £900 per year (about 1,030 EUR) for up to 3 years. Your scholarship will be reviewed annually. The scholarship is awarded to organists and singers who are studying at the University of Exeter and who sing in the choir of the Collegiate Church of the Holy Cross in Crediton, a town about six miles (10 km) outside Exeter with good bus and train links. Each year, the church appoints up to three scholarship holders, usually one organ scholarship holder and up to two choir singers. The Ouseley Church Music Trust co-funds one place. In return, you will sing at the weekly Sunday service and at the monthly ‘Choral Evensong’, a sung evening service. You will attend two rehearsals per week, on Tuesdays and Fridays. You will also have the opportunity to lead the choir, organise concerts and auditions, assist with the training of young choristers, and take part in visits to cathedrals and the choir’s occasional tours.

Who can apply

• University: You are studying for a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree at the University of Exeter. Students taking a gap year are also very welcome.
• Musical skill: You are a talented organist or singer (soprano, countertenor, alto, tenor or bass). You will demonstrate this at an audition.
• Field of study: Open to all subjects.
• Nationality: All nationalities welcome.
• Background check: You must pass an extended DBS check. This is a UK criminal records check which is required for working with children, as the choir also includes young choristers.

How to apply

Send an email to the music director to arrange an audition. There is no set deadline, so it’s best to get in touch as early as possible.

How realistic are your chances?

This scholarship is very selective: you must be studying at the University of Exeter and be able to sing or play the organ well enough to pass an audition, so the pool of eligible applicants is small. As up to three places are awarded each year and the musical requirements are clearly defined, rather than having to choose from a huge pool of applicants, a talented artist who meets the criteria has good prospects.