University of Aberdeen - organ scholarship

Organ Scholarship at the University of Aberdeen

You will receive about 585 EUR per year (500 GBP), paid in two instalments over the course of an academic year. In return, you will play the organ at church services and events in the King’s College University Chapel. This includes playing hymns, accompanying singers and assisting with rehearsals. Between April and October, you will also have the opportunity to play at services in the chapel at Haddo House in Aberdeenshire and to give a solo recital there. The scholarship, also known as the ‘David and June Gordon Memorial Scholarship’, is funded by the University’s School of Music and the David and June Gordon Memorial Trust.

Who can apply

• Degree level: You are a bachelor’s degree student at the University of Aberdeen.
• Skill: You can play the organ well enough to accompany hymns and church services.
• Field of study: All disciplines are welcome, even though the scholarship is listed under the music scholarships.
• Nationality: Applicants of all nationalities are welcome to apply, provided they are studying in Aberdeen.

How to apply

There is no publicly announced deadline. If you are interested, please send an email to the University’s Office for Choral Music to express your interest and agree on the next steps.

How realistic are your chances?

This scholarship is very narrowly defined. It is awarded to a Bachelor’s student in Aberdeen who is able to play the organ during church services in the chapel, which is why almost no one applies for it. If you’re studying there and have a solid knowledge of the organ, your chances are good. As only one student receives the scholarship each year, it’s important to apply early.