Choral and Organ Awards Open Day

Free to attend, register via this online form.

Oxford's college chapels provide outstanding opportunities for participating in liturgical music as well as offering exceptional performance, touring and recording experience. Many colleges offer awards to singers and organists who contribute to this aspect of college life. Choral scholars are trained to a very high level through their college chapel choir and some go on to become professional singers. Toby Spence, Emma Kirkby and Robin Blaze were all Oxford choral scholars.

Organ scholars also play a crucial part in Oxford music. In some colleges, they direct the music in chapel; in others they assist professional directors. The role develops skills in choral accompanying, direction, and administration. Many Oxford organ scholars have gone on to become celebrated musicians whilst others have attained distinction elsewhere, including a Prime Minister and a Hollywood actor.

Join us on our open day to find out what's involved in being an organ or choral scholar and how you can apply! The open day includes informative talks and Q&As with current students and Directors of Music, as well as advice on how to prepare for auditions. You'll also have the opportunity to take part in choral, organ, and conducting workshops in various historic college chapels, and to join one of our college choirs for Evensong. 

Please find the full schedule below:

UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD

ORGAN AND CHORAL SCHOLARSHIPS OPEN DAY

Saturday 27 April 2024

Singers

11.00    Doors Open at the Holywell Music Room

(one parent/guardian may accompany each prospective applicant)

11.30     Introduction to Choral Scholarships, Holywell Music Room

12.45     Break for lunch (please make your own arrangements)

14.00     Choral workshops in Magdalen College and The Queen’s

College

15.45      Break for tea (please make your own arrangements)

17.00      Rehearsal for Evensong in Christ Church Cathedral and the chapels of Keble, Magdalen, Merton, New, Oriel, Queen’s, St Peter’s, and Worcester Colleges

18.00      Choral Evensong in Christ Church Cathedral and the chapels of Keble, Magdalen, Merton, New, Oriel, Queen’s, St Peter’s, and Worcester Colleges

Organists

10.30     Doors open, Shulman Auditorium, The Queen’s College

11.00      Introduction to Organ Scholarships, Shulman Auditorium

12.30      Organ workshops

13.30      Break for lunch (please make your own arrangements)

14.30      Choral conducting workshop, Merton College

16.00      Break for tea (please make your own arrangements)

17.00      Rehearsal for Evensong in Christ Church Cathedral and the chapels of Keble, Magdalen, Merton, New, Oriel, Queen’s, St Peter’s, and Worcester Colleges

18.00     Choral Evensong in Christ Church Cathedral and the chapels of Keble, Magdalen, Merton, New, Oriel, Queen’s, St Peter’s, and Worcester College

You can find out more about our choral and organ award programmes here.