Choral, Organ and Instrumental Awards

Choral Scholars, Organ award holders and Instrumental award holders may read for any Honours Degree normally taught at Queen’s. Their admission to the College depends on being accepted by the tutors in the subjects that they wish to read. The duties of award holders will amount to not more than eight hours a week assisting with the music in chapel services, rehearsals for concerts, etc., subject to arrangement with the Fellow in Music and organist, Dr O.L. Rees.

Choral Scholars

Choral Scholars are elected in competition in two stages: the choral trial in September and the academic examining and interviewing in November and December. A Choral Award will only be made to a candidate who has satisfied both the choral and academic examiners. For details see the Undergraduate Prospectus 2006-2007. If there are vacancies the College may also hold a second competition in October for newly arrived undergraduates. There are six awards available each year and the value of each is £200 per annum; in addition, generous financial support for singing lessons is provided. The duties of the Choral Scholars are to sing in the College Chapel Choir at the three weekly choral services and termly concert as required and to attend choir practices (total approximately eight hours per week). It is expected that Choral Scholars will take some part in the general musical activities of the College.

Organ Awards

Organ Scholars are elected in competition in September. For details see the Undergraduate Prospectus 2006-2007. There are always two Organ Scholars at Queen’s. The value of an Organ Scholarship is £200 per annum; in addition generous financial support for organ lessons is provided. Organ Scholars are guaranteed rooms on the main college site, with piano, for the duration of their course. The duties of the Organ Scholars are to play the organ at College services as required and to assist with the training of the choir (total approximately eight hours per week). It is hoped that the award holder will make a serious study of organ playing and of the repertory of organ music. The organ award is offered for an undergraduate coming into residence in 2008.

Instrumental Awards

Instrumental Scholarships and Exhibitions are offered for competition in an undergraduate’s first term of residence at Queen’s. Usually there is one award available at Queen’s in alternate years. The value of the award is £200 (Scholarship) or £150 (Exhibition) per annum. The duties of the award holder are to contribute to music within the College. The instrumental award is offered in 2006.