Choral and Organ Scholarships Open Day 2026
Free entry - Registration Required.
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.
Programme for Singers
11.00 Doors Open at the de Jager Auditorium, Trinity College
11.30 Introduction to Choral Scholarships, de Jager Auditorium (Please note that there might not be space for parents/guardians to attend this session.)
12.45 Break for lunch (Please make your own arrangements.)
14.00 Choral workshops in New College and The Queen’s College
15.45 Break for tea (Please make your own arrangements.)
17.00 Rehearsal for Evensong in the chapels of Exeter, Keble, Magdalen, Merton, New, Oriel, Queen’s, St Peter’s, and Worcester Colleges and St Edmund Hall
18.00 Choral Evensong in the chapels of Exeter, Keble, Magdalen, Merton, New, Oriel, Queen’s, St Peter’s, and Worcester Colleges
18.15 Choral Evensong in the chapel of St Edmund Hall
NB Please bring smart clothes for Evensong.
Programme for Organists
10.30 Doors open, Shulman Auditorium, The Queen’s College
11.00 Introduction to Organ Scholarships, Shulman Auditorium
12.30 Organ workshops (Please bring a piece if you wish.)
13.30 Break for lunch (Please make your own arrangements.)
14.30 Choral conducting workshop, Merton College
15.45 Workshop on liturgical organ playing with Peter King, Merton College
17.00 Rehearsal for Evensong in the chapels of Exeter, Keble, Magdalen, Merton, New, Oriel, Queen’s, StPeter’s, and Worcester Colleges and St Edmund Hall
18.00 Choral Evensong in the chapels of Exeter, Keble, Magdalen, Merton, New, Oriel, Queen’s, St Peter’s, and Worcester Colleges
18.15 Choral Evensong at St Edmund Hall
NB Please bring smart clothes for Evensong.
