St Michael's Choral Scholarship Programme,
2025-26
St Michael’s Church in Sunninghill is delighted to launch the first year of its Choral Scholarship Programme, offering four exciting opportunities for singers aged between 18 and 25* with strong vocal ability and a passion for sacred music.
St Michael’s is a friendly, welcoming parish church which is proud of its musical heritage with a congregation who really value and want to support the liturgical choral tradition. These scholarships are being offered to both support the musical life of the church and to offer opportunities for young singers to develop their skills and vocal leadership whilst being part of a local church community.
Why Apply:
As a Choral Scholar at St Michael’s, you will benefit from:
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£1000 annual bursary to support your musical and academic journey plus travel expenses to and from services and rehearsals
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Regular performance opportunities in a variety of services, including Mattins, Eucharist and Evensong; and special one-off services
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Additional paid opportunities to sing at one-off services like weddings and funerals throughout the year
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Solo and ensemble opportunities in a supportive yet ambitious choral environment
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A chance to be part of an exciting new musical initiative in its inaugural year
(Other opportunities may be available during the year according to the skills and interests of the scholars, including helping to establish a youth choir or playing the organ. Additional compensation may be available for such activities at the discretion of the Vicar)
What we are looking for:
We are seeking enthusiastic and committed university students or recent graduates with:
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A confident, reliable singing voice (soprano, alto, tenor, or bass)
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Good sight-reading ability and previous choral experience
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A willingness to contribute positively to the choir’s life and musical goals
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A collaborative spirit and a genuine interest in sacred music and choral worship
While formal training is an advantage, we welcome applications from those with strong potential and a desire to grow musically in a liturgical setting. (N.B. You do not need to be studying on a music programme in order to apply for these positions)
Commitment:
Choral scholars are expected to commit to being part of the music team at church, and duties will include:
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Attending weekly practices and Sunday morning services during term time (including the Sunday following the end of the university terms, as well as occasional special services including Ash Wednesday, Good Friday and Easter Sunday and one evensong per term.
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Singing at the annual Christmas Concert and working with the other scholars to put on a Scholars’ Concert towards the end of the summer term
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Working closely with the Director of Music and fellow choir members, encouraging new or less confident singers, and serving as musical ambassadors for the church
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Being proactive in communication, especially around academic commitments and scheduling
(The choir usually rehearse between 7pm and 8:15pm on a Friday night and then met for a short rehearsal at 10am on a Sunday before the service at 10:30am.)
This is an exciting moment to join St Michael’s: as the first cohort of Choral Scholars, you’ll help shape the future of the programme. With ambitions to expand and diversify our musical life over the coming years, you’ll be at the forefront of a growing a dynamic initiative within the church. If this sounds exciting, we’d love to hear from you!
If you’d like more information, or to discuss anything further, please contact our vicar, Tansley Jordan (vicar@ssaparish.org). To apply, please complete attached application form to the church office (admin@ssaparish.org) by Friday 3rd October. Short auditions will follow on the afternoon of 12th October (please let us know on the application form if you can’t be available that day)