Durham Cathedral

Durham Cathedral Choral Scholarship

The Durham Cathedral Choral Scholarship is offered in collaboration with Durham University for current and prospective students. Choral Scholars sing eight services per week across six days with the Cathedral Choir, performing alongside professional Lay Clerks and Choristers. The position provides valuable musical training and performance experience in a prestigious cathedral setting. Choral Scholars sing lower parts (alto, tenor, and bass) alongside six professional singers who act as mentors. Duties run from the beginning of Michaelmas term through to the second Sunday in July, including Christmas and Easter. In addition to rehearsing and singing, Choral Scholars help with supervising probationer rehearsals and chorister recruitment. The scholarship provides financial support of approximately £4,021.03 per year plus additional fees. Benefits include learning a wide range of music, participating in concerts, recordings, broadcasts and tours, receiving mentorship from professional musicians, and a series of free singing lessons. Previous Choral Scholars have gone on to become Lay Clerks at Durham and other institutions, and to pursue further musical study at UK conservatoires.