Choral Scholarships at Leicester Cathedral

Leicester Cathedral offers three Choral Scholarships of £1,000 each year to University of Leicester students (undergraduates or postgraduates). 

Priority is given to students who sing alto (male or female), tenor or bass, but in the absence of suitable candidates in these voice parts, it may be possible to award a scholarship to a soprano.

You should have experience of singing in choirs. Experience of singing in a church or cathedral choir is beneficial but not as important as strong sight-reading ability.

You should apply before starting at University, although unfilled scholarships may be allocated after the start of the academic year.

Scholarships are for one year in the first instance and are usually extended for a further two, given a satisfactory report by the Director of Music to the Dean and Chapter and a willingness on the student's part to continue.

Time commitments 

In return for this scholarship, you will be expected to attend all practices and services throughout the year as follows:

Male Choral Scholars

• Thursdays: 4.30pm - 6.10pm, with a service at 5.30pm
• Fridays: 7.30pm - 9.10pm (rehearsal)
• Sunday mornings: 9.30am - 11.45am, with a service at 10.30am
• Sunday afternoons: 3.00pm - 4.50pm, with a service at 4.00pm

Female Choral Scholars

• Alternate Mondays: 4.30pm - 6.10pm
• Alternate Thursdays: 4.30pm - 6.10pm 
• Fridays: 7.30pm - 9.10pm (rehearsal)
• Sunday mornings: 9.30am - 11.45am, with a service at 10.30am
• Sunday afternoons: 3.00pm - 4.50pm, with a service at 4.00pm

There will be a schedule issued each term which may include occasional extra services and concerts.

If you live in a hall of residence and are not able to stay there during the vacation without incurring extra charges, it may be possible to arrange alternative accommodation for these periods.

There may also be opportunities to become involved with Leicester Cathedral's programme of singing in local schools.

How to apply

If you are applying to the University of Leicester and interested in a Choral Scholarship, you should contact the Cathedral's Director of Music, Christopher Johns at cathedral.music@leicestercofe.org as soon as possible as it may be possible to arrange for an audition to coincide with one of our Open Days.

For more information and an application form, please visit the Cathedral website.