Choral Scholarships

A Choral Scholarship at Queen's provides an exciting musical experience, and vocal and choral training to the highest standard.

Sign up for a taster day here

Apply for a choral Scholarship Here

Queen’s is one of the most musically active colleges in Oxford and has a worldwide reputation for excellence. The Choir is among the finest university ensembles in the UK: it performs an exciting and varied repertory in concerts and services at home and abroad, as well as through CD recordings, film work, and broadcasts. We provide rich opportunities for our students to develop their skills as singers and instrumentalists alongside their academic studies. The musical facilities at Queen’s are outstanding, including an award-winning auditorium with Steinway piano, and state-of-the-art recording equipment permanently installed in the chapel,allowing livestreaming of choral services and for students to film their own performances.

Much the best way to secure a place in Queen's choir is by applying for a Choral Scholarship, and around twenty of the choir's singers are Choral Scholars. Choral Scholarships at Queen’s are open to all voices (including both male and female altos) and Choral Scholars can study any of the academic subjects offered by the College. Queen's choir's schedule is rich enough to provide a focused choral experience, but also allows Choral Scholars to pursue a variety of other interests, and ensures that there is plenty of time for student life. Many Choral Scholars at Queen's have excelled academically, in Music and other subjects. Many also sing in other choirs and play in orchestras, and some develop their solo singing in particular, opportunities for which are abundant at Queen's.

• Three choral services per week during term-time, plus occasional special services

• Concert engagements across the UK and with professional ensembles (e.g. the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment and the Academy of Ancient Music)

• Annual international tours (e.g. China, U.S.A., Spain, Portugal, Sri Lanka)

• Broadcasts for BBC Radio, CD recordings, and TV and film work

• Free dinner in Hall after each service

• Free singing tuition with inspirational teachers including Carys Lane, Bronwen Mills & Giles Underwood

Scholars receive an award to the value of £1,200 a year, which includes funding for singing lessons and dinner after every sung service. Choral Scholars are elected in competition in two stages: the Oxford University choral scholarship trials in September and the academic examining and interviewing in November and December. If there are vacancies the College may also hold a second competition in October for newly arrived undergraduates. Up to eight Choral Scholarships are available each year. The duties of the Choral Scholars are to sing in the Chapel Choir at the three weekly choral services and in the choir's concerts. Prospective applicants are welcome to contact Professor Rees at any time of year. An open day for Choral and Organ awards is held by the Oxford University Music Faculty in late April each year.

Brochures

Click on the brochure covers below to find out more about what it’s like to sing at Queen’s.