Choral Scholars
Lichfield Cathedral and Lichfield Cathedral School offer Sixth Form Choral Scholarships to experienced and talented singers entering Year 12. Application is by audition. All successful candidates will be educated at Lichfield Cathedral School, so it may be necessary to apply to join the School as well. Successful applicants sing services regularly in the Cathedral and benefit from a superb level of training for young singers, with particular relevance to those who are planning to apply for university Choral Scholarships.
What is on offer?
- 30% fee remission at Lichfield Cathedral School (further bursaries may be available upon application)
- Weekly bespoke training sessions from the Cathedral team of specialist musicians
- Regular singing of services in the Cathedral, often alongside the Cathedral Choir
- Opportunities to sing in radio and television broadcasts, record albums and take part in overseas choir tours
- Enhanced singing opportunities at the School with Cantorum, the School’s youth choir
- Excellent music provision for A Level and further instrumental studies
What are the expectations?
- To sing Evensong, Eucharist and Compline services regularly in the Cathedral (not all services, there will be a rota)
- To sing with Cantorum at the School and other ensembles as appropriate
- To learn at least one supplementary instrument as well as taking singing lessons
- To have studied music to GCSE level
- You will be encouraged to study music at A level
In terms of regular rehearsal commitment, the Choral Scholars will meet in the Song School (at No.14 The Close) usually twice a week. They may rehearse with the Cathedral Choir prior to their service commitments from 5pm on weekdays, and from 10:20am and 2:20pm on Sundays. This gives an average weekly commitment of 7 hours.
What qualities will we be looking for?
We are looking for singers with a keen interest in liturgical music and a Christian ethos. Applicants will need to demonstrate a love for singing and a clear desire to develop their voice both as a soloist and within a choral context. We consider singers whose adult voices have settled sufficiently into the specific vocal ranges Soprano, Alto, Tenor or Bass.
What are the benefits?
The Cathedral Choir delivers a large output of high quality music. Within a two year period singing as a Sixth Form Choral Scholar, you will cover a large amount of the core Anglican repertoire, and this experience would make you of high interest to universities who seek to appoint Choral Scholars as undergraduates. The training given will help develop vocal technique and promote good vocal health. The sheer volume of music covered will mean that your sight-singing will improve as a matter of course. You will sing at a professional level alongside experienced musicians. You will be part of a team of dedicated singers who are all committed to delivering music to a very high standard.
How do I apply?
Please contact the Admissions Team on 01543 306168 or admissions@lichfieldcathedralschool.com for more information.
