Organ scholarships open for applications

Monday February 23rd 2015

Applications for organ scholarships must be submitted by Friday March 27.

The Organ Scholarship Management Board of the Diocese of Down & Dromore and Connor is inviting applications for scholarships for 2015.

Scholarships are tenable for three years, subject to a satisfactory assessment at the end of each of the first and second years. Tuition is given fortnightly, free-of-charge, by one of the Board’s panel of tutors, and a certificate is awarded on completion of the course.

The scholarships are intended to train musicians in the service of the Church, in the Anglican tradition, both at the organ and in leading a choir. Tuition in choral training is an integral part of the course.

No previous experience of playing the organ is necessary, but applicants should be proficient on the keyboard, approximately Grade 5 piano or equivalent. There are no upper of lower age limits, and candidates who have previously been unsuccessful are welcome to re-apply.

The Board’s tutors are Mr Michael McCracken (Down Cathedral) and Mr Ian Mills (St Columb’s Cathedral, Londonderry). As far as possible, scholars are placed with a tutor near them. Lessons will be given in the cathedrals as above or, in exceptional circumstances, and with the prior agreement of the Board, at another church designated by the Board.

The Board is usually able to award six scholarships annually, dividing them between the two dioceses.

You can download an Organ scholarship application form

Organ scholarship conditions

Application forms are also available from Diocesan Office at Church House, 61-67 Donegall Street, Belfast, BT1 2QH. Tel: 028 9082 8830.

Applications must be submitted by Friday March 27 and auditions will be held on Saturday May 16.