Westminster Abbey is seeking to recruit an organ scholar from 1 September 2026. This one-year postgraduate scholarship provides an exciting and unique opportunity for a talented musician to work at Westminster Abbey and acquire extensive experience as a member of the music staff of one of the world’s great choral foundations. The element of apprenticeship and training is crucial. You will assist the Organist and Master of the Choristers and his colleagues in all aspects of their work. Under their guidance you will be encouraged to develop skills in playing choral and non-choral services to the highest standard, in addition to developing and expanding your organ repertory. You will also assist in training the junior boys and will have opportunities to direct the Lay Vicars in Abbey services.
The successful candidate is also expected to contribute generally to the day-to-day musical affairs of the Abbey and act as Assistant Choir Librarian.
Status
The scholarship tenure is for one year from 1 September 2026 to 31 August 2027.
Stipend
A stipend of £19,445.40 will be paid, together with additional fees for any special services at which the Organ Scholar plays. This figure includes payment for work in the choir library.
Working Hours
The Organ Scholar’s hours of work are broadly determined by the schedule of choral services and rehearsals as set out above. Over the course of the scholarship the average weekly time commitment is expected to be 27 hours, with more hours required during term time and fewer outside of term. The Organ Scholar is normally entitled to at least one day per week free of Abbey commitments, by arrangement with the Organist and Master of the Choristers.
Accommodation
A reasonable accommodation allowance may be available, if needed.
Annual Holidays
The holiday entitlement for full time staff is 31 days per annum, including the eight recognised public holidays. The holiday entitlement for this post will be calculated accordingly, also taking into account the requirement to work on Sundays and public holidays for much of the year. Holidays must be agreed in advance with the Organist and Master of the Choristers and may normally only be taken during Abbey Choir vacations.
Training
The Organ Scholar is expected to continue their organ studies throughout the period of the scholarship. The schedule of tuition must be agreed with the Organist and Master of the Choristers to avoid conflicting with the scholar’s duties. Westminster Abbey will normally be able to assist with the funding of private tuition to a level agreed by the Organist.
Pension Scheme and Life Assurance
All employees can join a Group Personal Pension plan, where the minimum employee contribution is 3% and the maximum employer contribution is 9% (as determined by the level of the employee contribution). You will be auto-enrolled into our qualifying workplace pension scheme after 3 months, if you meet the eligibility criteria. All employees are covered by death-in-service life assurance, whether or not they choose to join the pension scheme.
Staff Discount
All employees receive a 20% discount on purchases from the Westminster Abbey shop and a 30% discount on purchases from the Benugo outlets, which serve refreshments.
Season Ticket Loan
A season ticket loan is offered after satisfactory completion of a probationary period, repayable over 10 months.
Safeguarding
Westminster Abbey is committed to the safeguarding of children, young people and adults at risk. To prevent them from harm, we undertake appropriate checks (including the relevant level of criminal record check) on staff and volunteers and require them to complete relevant safeguarding training. This post requires an enhanced level criminal record check.