King's College London - Choral & organ scholarships

What you get

You will receive an annual stipend for singing or playing the organ in the King’s College London choir. There are two different types of stipend.

The Choral Scholarship awards a scholarship at the end of the academic year. It also covers the cost of singing lessons: if you are studying music as your main subject with a specialisation in singing, you will receive lessons at the Royal Academy of Music. All other students will receive lessons from a professional singing teacher. If you also work as a choir librarian, you will receive an additional allowance.

The value of Organ Scholarship is usually about EUR 4,600 (GBP 4,000) per year. They assist the choir director and accompany the choir during Vespers and the college Eucharist.

Both awards involve weekly rehearsals and church services in the chapel during the term, as well as concerts, festivals in England, BBC radio broadcasts and tours. Recent tours have included Canada, France, Germany, Italy, the USA and Nigeria.

Who can apply

• University: You’re studying at King’s College London.
• Field of study: Any subject. You don’t necessarily have to take music, as long as your timetable is compatible with the rehearsal and church service times.
• Degree level: Students on undergraduate and postgraduate programmes (Master’s and PhD).
• Nationality: All nationalities can apply.
• Skill (choral): You may perform a prepared piece of your choice and sing from sheet music (singing from a score you have not seen before).
• Skill (organ): You may perform two contrasting pieces, including one by Bach played from memory, play a hymn and improvise a short passage.

How to apply

Auditions take place every year between January and March, and the choir starts in the following September. Please email the choir in early January to arrange an audition. Admission is based on the outcome of the audition.

How realistic are your chances?

Only students who are already studying at King’s and have excellent singing or organ skills may apply, so the pool of applicants is small. If you are an outstanding singer or organist and can commit to the weekly rehearsals and church services, your chances are good. Please contact the choir in early January, as auditions only take place during a specific period.