Choral Scholars

Young people with an interest in choral singing are invited to apply for our choral scholarships. These are for boys with changed voices (countertenors, tenors and basses) and for girls (sopranos and altos) in Year 10+. Choral scholars sing with the Choir each week and receive specialist training, ideal for preparing for cathedral/university scholarships.

Choral scholars benefit from:

• Subsidised individual singing, theory and instrumental lessons
• One-to-one vocal coaching
• Theory/GCSE/A-level support sessions
• Royal School of Church Music award preparation
• Subsidised trips and visits (most recently Oxford University and Westminster Abbey)
• Termly choir pay

Staff have experience of preparing young singers for University and cathedral choral scholarships, and provide support and guidance, as well as offering sessions on aural skills and sight-reading. 

Boys with changing voices

We welcome boys who are going through voice change, at any stage. Our staff have experience with changing voices and help boys to keep singing as they discover their adult range.

When?

Choral scholars follow a similar pattern to the choristers, singing around 4-6 services per month as well as major feasts:

• Fridays - 6.30-8.00pm
• Sundays - 8.45-10.45am or  5.30-6.30pm

How to join

We're always pleased to hear from prospective choral scholars - email us at info@stmarysmertonchoir.com to find out more, and to arrange a trial session. We hold very informal auditions throughout the year.