Scholarships at Leeds Cathedral
Choral Scholarships
Our Choral Scholarships offer superb opportunities for ambitious students looking to develop a range of professional-level musical skills. The Cathedral Choir – acknowledged as one of the finest in the country – sings daily services, with the Choral Scholars singing on Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons and Sunday mornings. 2022/23 engagements include BBC Radio 3 and Radio 4 broadcasts, concerts and recordings in addition to the regular schedule.
The choir’s repertoire provides fantastic preparation for the world of professional consort and choral singing, including chant, polyphony and the finest contemporary writing. This wide repertoire ensures that Choral Scholars develop excellent sight-reading skills. We offer opportunities to conduct the choirs, including our outstanding children’s groups, and gain professional experience within our wider singing programme, which reaches over 6,000 children every week.
Enhanced Choral Scholarships (up to £3,500 per year)
Four new Enhanced Choral Scholarships funded by the Cathedral Music Trust provide an opportunity for students and emerging choral leaders to sing with the highly acclaimed choir and develop their coaching and conducting skills with our expert staff, including observation and participation in our whole-class primary school sessions. Training will be provided in conducting, vocal development and rehearsal planning as well as in management and basic classroom skills. This is a superb opportunity to develop experience and skills essential in many music careers. These scholarships are subject to an enhanced DBS check.
Choral Scholarships (up to £2,000 per year)
Up to six Choral Scholarships are available for students, singing with the Cathedral Choir.
Choral Scholar Timetable
Tuesday, 4.30–6pm: Rehearsal, Vespers and Mass
Wednesday, 4.30–6pm: Rehearsal, Vespers and Mass
Sunday, 10am–1pm: Rehearsal, Mass and Scholars’ Rehearsal
Holders of the enhanced Choral Scholarships will assist at additional rehearsals and school sessions – on average one session per week.
We are committed to developing a workforce that reflects the diversity of our diocese and are especially keen to hear from those in under-represented or marginalised groups.
‘I’d never really sung much early music before, so to come to a choir where Josquin, Tallis and Monteverdi are part of the diet has been a revelation. My sight-singing and choral confidence have improved beyond measure and I’ve subsequently started coaching some of the choristers in the wider programme.’
Choral Scholar
Organ Scholarships
In addition to our Choral Scholarships, we have a range of opportunities available for organists. These scholarships give budding players the opportunity to develop specific skills through work experience not offered in Higher Education, enabling them to launch performing careers in classical choral music. Clear progression routes, expert tuition and mentoring, invaluable contacts and regular performances (including BBC broadcasts, the Leeds International Organ Festival and joint concerts with the Gabrieli Consort) make these scholarships an invaluable and unparalleled experience.
Want to apply or find out more?
To apply for any of our scholarships or for more information about the opportunities we provide, please contact the Music Office at office@dioceseofleedsmusic.org.uk or 0113 244 8634.
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