Durham University - The Wallis Organ Scholarship

The Wallis Organ Scholarship

As an organ scholarship holder at St John’s College, part of the University of Durham in the UK, you will receive approximately 520 EUR (roughly £300, plus around £150 towards organ lessons) for 12 months. You will play an active role in the musical life of the college chapel. The St John’s Chapel Choir is the university’s only professionally conducted chapel choir, comprising 16 choristers and two organ scholarship holders. As an organ scholarship holder, you will take part in weekly rehearsals, play at the Wednesday evening service and contribute to recordings and special events.

Who can apply

• Where you study: You are a student at St John’s College in Durham.
• Skill: You are a talented organist. You’ll demonstrate this during an in-person audition at the start of the term.
• Field of study: Any subject.
• Nationality: Any nationality can apply.
• Commitment: You are willing to take part regularly in the chapel choir, including rehearsals and weekday services.

How to apply

Auditions take place in person at the start of the semester. Each year, the choir selects its organ scholarship holders, and the college director makes the final decision.

How realistic are your chances?

This scholarship is highly sought-after: only two organ scholarship holders are appointed at St John’s each year, and you must already be an accomplished organist to pass the audition. If you play well and can keep to the chapel’s weekly schedule, the small number of applicants will work in your favour. The financial remuneration is modest, so this post is best suited to musicians for whom the musical role is just as important as the financial support.