University of Cambridge - Organ Scholarship

Benefit

As an organ scholarship holder at Clare College, which is part of the University of Cambridge, you will receive a annual payment of about 520 EUR (450 GBP). This remuneration runs concurrently with your studies for up to 3 years. However, the greater value lies in the benefits in kind: free organ lessons with renowned teachers, guidance from the college’s Director of Music, usually a piano in your room, and often subsidised meals, choir tours, concerts and radio recordings. You will also become a member of the inter-collegiate ‘Organ Scholars’ Forum’, a group that regularly organises masterclasses in solo performance, improvisation and conducting. In return, you will play the organ at services in the chapel, lead or assist the choir, and take part in the college’s musical life. Former organ scholars from Clare now hold positions at Westminster Abbey and St Paul’s Cathedral.

Eligibility

• Playing level: You are a highly accomplished organist and ready to tackle challenging auditions. These include a trio movement by J. S. Bach, keyboard tests, aural tests and conducting a short choir rehearsal.
• University place: You must also secure a place at Cambridge and meet the same entry requirements as all other applicants. The scholarship is awarded only in conjunction with this place.
• Field of study: Any subject at Clare College. You don’t have to study music.
• Nationality: All nationalities can apply.
• Reference: You will need a letter from a teacher or mentor describing your musical abilities and your suitability for an organ scholarship.

How to apply

You must apply online via the Centre for Music Performance by 1 September. Please list your preferred universities, including Clare. Your referee must email the signed letter of recommendation by 11 September. You will then sit the organ examinations in Cambridge in September and give an audition for Clare’s Director of Music. Finally, you must submit your UCAS application by 15 October; the academic interviews will take place in December.

How realistic are your chances?

The selection criteria for this scholarship are very strict: you must be an outstanding organist and also have been offered a place at Cambridge following a selection process. The pool of eligible applicants is therefore small, but the standard is exceptionally high. Clare is currently offering only one place for the 2028 intake, which means there are very few places available. If your playing is of the standard required for an entrance audition and you are academically competitive, you should add Clare to your shortlist at an early stage and also apply to other colleges to increase your chances.