University Choral Scholarships

Choral scholarships are awards opened to exceptional singers who wish to develop their choral singing as part of a chapel, cathedral or major church choir, usually, as a small financial reward, subsidized meals, and singing lessons. Choral Scholarship provides an exciting musical experience and vocal and choral training to the highest standard. Although the choral scholars are supplemented by voluntary (unpaid) singers, the twelve choral scholars form the professional core of the University Chapel Choir.

Christ Church is an Anglican foundation, sited within the ancient precincts of St Augustine’s Abbey, and the Chapel Choir sings a weekly service of Choral Evensong in term time, as well as representing the University on several occasions in our mother foundation, Canterbury cathedral (Note that: singing services for Candlemas and Pentecost, and performing as part of the Carols by Candlelight service). Once or twice a year the choir visits chapels and cathedrals further afield, to sing services. It is hoped that the tradition of annual tours will be resumed in the near future and that the choir will be able to produce recordings.

Organ Scholars, as well as those playing the three-manual Makin electronic organ in the University Chapel, get the chance to play on the Canterbury cathedral instrument in the cathedral several times a year at the special services and the University Graduation ceremonies mentioned above.

Benefit

The choral Scholarships award is worth £800 per annum for the singers while the Organ/Conducting scholarships are worth £1,000 per annum.

Scholars’ stipends are paid in four annual installments (at the end of each academic term and following September graduations). Deductions will be made for services and other obligatory events that have been missed without good reason or excuse.

To be Eligible

• Scholarship holders may be reading any subject or course.
• Applications are welcome from both current undergraduate and postgraduate students. Scholarships are held for up to three years, with an annual review(re-audition in spring).
• The number of Scholarships awarded will be determined by the quality of the candidates selected for interview and audition at the University.
• The deadline for applications this year has been decided to be on Monday 4 October at 9:00 am. No applications will be considered after this date/time. Applicants must be, or due to become, current undergraduate or postgraduate at Canterbury Christ Church University.

How to Apply

Applications are to be submitted online, and after the application submission, candidates are to brace themselves for an audition. Most people feel nervous at this stage, but the directors of music are aware of this, just make sure you give it your best shot! Your vocal quality and potential for progress will be assessed, as well as whether you would be a person with whom others can enjoy performing. Auditions generally follow a standard formula: a warm-up and sight-singing tests, one or two prepared pieces, and perhaps a psalm.

Here is a detailed Application procedure

Fill in the online application form below and you will be emailed with an audition time on that date. Instructions to help you find the room, and to prepare for the audition will definitely be included in the mail.

Inquiries about the scheme may be directed to the chaplaincy via; chaplaincy@canterbury.ac.uk

The Audition Process is listed below; (with an ‘online’ alternative should condition require it)

• For Choral Scholarships, the audition consists of the performance of one song (of the candidate’s own choice), sight-singing, and aural exercises, plus a brief conversation – a total duration of approximately 15 minutes. Note that the audition piece should be an appropriate piece for an Anglican Chapel Choir. An accompanist will be provided, and you should bring a copy of the sheet music for him. There will be no provision for the use of backing tracks.
• ‘Online’ alternative: candidates may be asked to submit a recording of their singing, and to keep an appointment for an online interview during which the aural and sight-reading exercises will be administered.
• For the Organ Scholarship: the audition will consist of the performance of two contrasting works (of the candidate’s own choice), sight-reading, score-reading, accompaniment of a hymn and a psalm, and improvisation plus a brief conversation – total duration approximately 25 minutes
• ‘Online’ alternative: candidates may be asked to submit a recording of their playing. Other exercises will be undertaken by arrangement in the Chapel, whilst adhering to social distancing guidelines.
• For the Conducting Scholarship, the audition consists of leading a 15-minute rehearsal with the choir, working on two pieces, one prescribed (and sent out to candidates in advance) by the University and the other of the candidate’s choice, plus a ten-minute interview – total duration approximately 25 minutes.
• ‘Online’ alternative: candidates may be asked to submit a video recording of their conducting of a short piece of recorded music. Other exercises will be undertaken by arrangement in the Chapel, with the choir, whilst adhering to social distancing guidelines.

 Please Note; that the Referee you name may be contacted by the Director of Music, and you should ensure that you have your Referee’s agreement before you submit the form.

Choral Scholarship auditions will be held on Wednesday 6 October, 2.00-5.00 pm. The date of Organ and Conducting Scholarship auditions will also be on or around this date

To begin your application and get more information on the choral scholarship, please visit the website via; https://www.canterbury.ac.uk/arts-and-humanities/music-and-performing-arts/scholarships/choral-scholarships.aspx