Choral Scholar - 2027-2028 Scholarship

Church of England; Liverpool; Hybride; GBP 5 000 - 6 100; Temps partiel

Avantages offerts par ce poste

Singing lessons

Free accommodation

Council tax reduction

Résumé du poste

Liverpool Cathedral invites applications for Choral Scholar positions (Alto, Tenor and Bass) to join the Cathedral Choir for the 2027-28 academic year. Roles suit gap year, undergraduate or postgraduate students, with age flexibility noted.

Enhanced DBS is required and the bursary is £5,561 per annum, with singing lessons and shared accommodation available on campus. The appointments run from September 2027 to August 2028, with potential for a further year if progress is satisfactory.

Qualifications

• Applicants aged 18–25 are encouraged; older applicants may be considered.
• Enhanced DBS check required.
• Singers must be able to join choral rehearsals and services.

Responsabilités

• Attend choral rehearsals and services as scheduled.
• Sing with the cathedral choir alongside Lay Clerks and choristers.
• Take part in cathedral outreach and tours as required.
• Provide support for youth and junior choirs.
• Flexible schedule to accommodate university studies.

Connaissances

Sight reading

Vocal ability

Punctuality

Description du poste

Liverpool Cathedral are inviting applications for the position of Alto, Tenor and Bass Choral Scholars to join our music team and sing with the Cathedral Choir for the 2027-28 academic year. This roles are ideal for outstanding gap year, undergraduate or post graduate students.As our Choral Scholarship programme is funded mainly by the Francis Neilson Trust (our fund for furthering the musical development of choristers and former choristers during their childhood and early adult years) we strongly encourage applications from those aged 18-25. However, in some circumstances, applications from older ages will be considered. However, all applications will be considered equally.

The appointments are from September 2027 to August 2028 with the option of a further year if progress is satisfactory.

An enhanced DBS application will be required for these roles.

Interviews are scheduled for 23rd November 2026.

The scholarship attracts a bursary of £5,561 per annum paid by monthly instalments with the extra fees for special services. Singing lessons are included. There is shared scholar accommodation available on the cathedral campus. Rent is free, but scholars share the bills for gas, electricity and water. They can apply for a large reduction in council tax.

Scholars are expected to assist choristers, on a rotational basis with their learning of music theory.

The Choral Scholar will be fully involved in the busy life of the Music Department, singing alongside the Lay Clerks and choristers in the cathedral choir. The department is a friendly and welcoming one and a number of social events are part of the experience. The scholars will be welcome and encouraged to join the cathedral´s youth group (18-25) known as the Overcrofters.

The cathedral choir has an extensive repertoire ranging from music of the renaissance to contemporary works, both in English and Latin, and has made several acclaimed recordings, broadcasts and tours.

Concert work is an important part of the choir’s work and they frequently join with the choir of the Metropolitan Cathedral for concerts and services and also the choirs of Blackburn, Manchester and Chester Cathedrals each year for a joint choral evensong. In addition to the Cathedral Choir, the music department opertaes a large Schools Singing Programme which works with over 25 schools across the Diocese.

The Choral Scholars are expected to attend all choral rehearsals and services as per the schedule. The rest of the schedule is negotiable as we understand that scholars might have university studies or wish to take on part time work.

Choral Scholar weekly schedule

Monday Free day

Tuesday Rehearsal and evensong 4.45pm-7.15pm (including evening rehearsal)

Wednesday no regular duties

Thursday Rehearsal and evensong 4.45pm-7.15pm (including evening rehearsal)

Friday Rehearsal and evensong 4.45pm-6pm

Saturday Choir rehearsal and evensong, 2pm - 4.00pm

Sunday Choir rehearsal and Eucharist, 9.30am -12pm

Choir Rehearsal and Evensong, 2pm-4.00pm

In addition, there will be a small number of occasions each term when the Choral Scholars will be asked to sing in concert performances with the cathedral choirs, attend choir tours, and to assist with the choral outreach programme, including the cathedral’s Junior and Youth choirs and adult community choir.

This position will be particularly attractive to candidates considering a portfolio career, including some work in schools as part of the cathedral’s extensive outreach programme.

The ideal candidate will be punctual, reliable and respectful at all times. They will be personable and honest in all of their work and tasks.

As well as a fine singing voice within the correct vocal ranges, very good sight reading is essential, as is the willingness to spend time preparing music for the services and concerts.

The successful candidate will show an excellent example to the choristers in terms of deportment and behaviour.

They will keep their accommodation clean and tidy and have respect for neighbours on campus.

Successful candidate should be willing to complete a self-declaration and make an enhanced application for DBS to satisfy our requirements under Safeguarding.

They should also provide proof of their right to work in the UK and offer two references that are acceptable to us.

Music at Liverpool Cathedral

Liverpool Cathedral is renowned for being among the first in the world to offer musical engagement opportunities to people of every age, from new-born upwards. This manifests itself in the provision of a Cathedral Choir, a Schools Singing Programme, Outreach Choirs (junior, youth and adult). The Cathedral Music Department comprises of a Director of Music, Cathedral Organist, Sub Organist, Liturgy & Music Administrator, Assistant Choral Director, Choral Outreach Lead, Schools Singing Leader, and Organ Scholar. These are in addition to a large team of volunteer Choir Guardians and parent supervisors.

Encounter Liverpool Cathedral

Liverpool Cathedral is a place of spiritual and cultural significance for the city and region of Liverpool. From its foundation in the early part of the 20th century it has existed as community and building built by the people, for the people to the glory of God.

Liverpool Cathedral is more than an iconic Grade 1* listed building. It’s a vibrant, active place that the people of the city, regions and world encounter in many ways. So alongside those who come for one of our daily worship services, people may encounter us for a gala dinner or a school trip. A tourist may visit us or we could be hosting an awards ceremony or graduations. People encounter us in many ways. But in each way, we hope they encounter a warm welcome and sense of God.

As part of their visit we believe everyone will encounter:

• Inspiring Christian worship
• A breathtaking experience
• A community committed to justice and mercy
• A safe, generous place in joy and sorrow
• A dynamic community of staff and volunteers
• A God who knows and loves you.

Working for Liverpool Cathedral will bring you into a community that seeks to make those encounters happen. You will be someone who can subscribe to, and live out, our values of excellence, dynamic, integrity and inclusive. You will have the benefits of working in a landmark building with colleagues who are serious about the work life balance with generous holiday allowances and access to an Employee Assistance Programme. We have a strong working partnership with the Diocese of Liverpool bringing extra support to our activities.

For more information about Liverpool Cathedral go to www.liverpoolcathedral.org.uk

Liverpool Cathedral Values

Our values underpin the culture of working for Liverpool Cathedral, they are:

Integrity:

This means we act honourably and truthfully and display consistency of character. We show respect to all recognising how we speak and act affects others. We uphold high standards and are accountable for our behaviour.

Inclusivity:

This means we actively co-operate with one another and value our differences and solve problems by listening and finding solutions together, always treating everyone fair and promoting participation. We create a culture of warmth and belonging, where everyone is welcome.

Excellence:

This means we go that 'extra mile' and follow through on our commitments and consistently deliver the highest quality of service to all. We demonstrate professionalism and have high expectation of each other being committed to teamwork, sharing knowledge, resources and skills.

Dynamic:

This means we actively embrace change, welcome progress and display enthusiasm, passion and enjoyment for our work. We are innovative, open minded and willing to adapt; and we use our drive and commitment to energize, engage and inspire others.