Royal Holloway, University of London - Choral And Organ Scholarship

Choral and Organ Scholarship at Royal Holloway

You will receive financial support for singing or playing the organ in the choir at Royal Holloway, University of London, regardless of your degree programme. Organists receive up to £1,500 per year (about 1,750 EUR), and choir singers receive up to £700 per year (about 815 EUR). Payment is made at the end of each term. The grant usually runs for three years or for the duration of your degree programme. As a grant holder, you will perform in a busy choir: weekly lunchtime concerts, church services in the chapel, recordings, radio broadcasts and annual tours, often alongside professional musicians. You will also receive training. Choir singers receive singing lessons, provided these are not already part of their degree programme, whilst organists receive lessons in organ and choral conducting.

Who can apply

• University: You’re studying at Royal Holloway, University of London.
• Degree level: Applications are open to students on Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programmes.
• Field of study: Any subject. You don’t necessarily have to study music.
• Choral scholars: You are a good singer and can sing well from sheet music; in other words, you can read and sing notes that you have never seen before. Experience of singing in a church choir is an advantage, but not a requirement.
• Organ scholars: You are a talented organist.
• Nationality: Any nationality can apply.
• Commitment: You take part in the choir’s rehearsals, church services, concerts and tours throughout the year.

How to apply

Please apply via the online form on the Royal Holloway Choir’s website by 23 February at 9 am. If you are shortlisted, you will be invited to an audition in early March. Successful candidates will start in the following September.

How realistic are your chances?

This scholarship is aimed at a small group: students at Royal Holloway who are truly talented singers or organists. The number of scholarships awarded depends on the calibre of the applicants. If you already possess genuine skills in choral singing or organ playing and can demonstrate these at the audition, your chances are good, particularly as the pool of applicants remains small due to enrolment at this single university. Prepare for sight-singing, as this is essential for choral singers.