Graduate Organ Scholar

Job Description

The post-holder will report to the Director of the Girls Choristers, Sarah MacDonald, and through her, to the Principal of King's Ely, John Attwater. Final responsibility for all matters relating to music in the Cathedral falls to the Canon Precentor, the Revd Canon James Reveley, and to the Cathedral's Director of Music, Edmund Aldhouse.

Education

The post-holder will accompany the Cathedral Choirs as agreed by the Director of Music and Director of the Girl Choristers, and to assist with the musical education and training of the choristers, and the Sixth Form Choral and Organ Scholars, in the context of their function within Cathedral worship. Specifically, the appointee will be expected to:

• accompany cathedral services
• play for school services in the cathedral or other school venues
• accompany rehearsals of the choristers and the sixth form choral scholars
• assist in the training of probationers
• assist in the teaching of music theory to the choristers
• prepare the sixth form choral scholars for services
• maintain the girl choristers' library
• assist with the organisation of concerts, tours, broadcasts, and recordings
• attend cathedral and school music department meetings as required
• accompany school music department events (e.g. rehearsals, concerts, recitals, exams)

This description is not exhaustive and may well be subject to change over time. The intention is to offer candidates an accurate impression of the expectations commensurate with the post and an outline of the role as it is envisaged at this time.

Person Specification

For this early-career post, we seek a musician of proven ability and skill who will relish the opportunity to enhance cathedral worship in Ely, and who will immerse themselves in the vibrant musical community of King's Ely and the cathedral. The successful candidate will have completed an undergraduate degree (as of 1 September 2027) and should be of at least ARCO standard, with demonstrable experience of choral accompaniment, choir training, and an understanding of good vocal technique. The possession of a good sense of humour, a love of teaching and working with young people, the ability to be patient with children and young teenagers, and excellent organisational and communication skills are also necessary. The post-holder must be in sympathy with the ethos and mission of the Church of England.

Qualifications

Essential Desirable Qualifications

• A good honours degree
• ARCO or equivalent

Specialist skills and experience

• previous experience working within a college chapel, university or cathedral or greater parish church music department
• proven competence as an organist, accompanist
• experience as a choral conductor
• knowledge and understanding of liturgical repertoire
• administrative skills and familiarity with standard IT programmes, including Sibelius, Finale, and/or Dorico music-notation software
• thorough understanding of safeguarding and Child Protection issues
• ability to empathise and relate positively to young people
• previous university and/or cathedral organ scholarship holder

Personal qualities

• passion for cathedral music, and for teaching
• sense of humour, and a willingness to share ideas and inspire young people
• ability to work in a fast-moving environment
• good team player
• high expectations of self and others
• willingness to work flexible hours, including early mornings, evenings and weekends
• commitment to ongoing professional musical development
• commitment to maintaining high standards
• pro-active and self-motivated

Remuneration and Hours

This is a full-time post, with an expectation that the post-holder will work 32 hours per week during term time. Christmas and Holy Week duties occur every year, in which the post-holder would be expected to take an active role. The successful candidate will be expected to work a flexible schedule, including early mornings, evenings and weekends, which is required of anyone who plays a full part in the life of a cathedral and school. The post-holder will also be encouraged to develop their playing by accepting opportunities to play recitals in other venues as long as they do not conflict with duties in Ely, and by completing RCO diplomas (if relevant).

The salary is £16,631 per year. Single accommodation in the historic and beautifully renovated Thomas Parsons Court alms-houses a three-minute walk from the cathedral will be provided free of charge with no charge for utilities and council tax; school meals will be provided free of charge during term time. There are opportunities for further remuneration by taking on limited extra musical work at both the school and cathedral, as well as beyond Ely, within clearly defined hours and subject to the agreement of the post holder’s line manager. The post-holder will be expected to have one organ lesson per month, with a teacher of his/her choice, chosen in consultation with the Director of the Girl Choristers and the Cathedral’s Director of Music. The cost of these lessons will be paid for by the school up to a total of £550 per year. It is expected that the successful applicant will remain in post for one year, with an option of renewal for one further year by mutual agreement. The school will also provide assistance towards the cost of RCO diploma examinations. The post becomes available on 31 August 2027.

Terms and Conditions

• Enrolment in the statutory auto-enrolment pension scheme. The employer and employee contribution rates for the auto-enrolment pension scheme are currently: Employee contribution 5% and Employer contribution 3%.
• Members of staff may educate their own children in any of the three parts of the school or at Fairstead House, subject to availability of places and successful admissions procedures. Staff currently enjoy a discretionary discount on fees for children in Reception year onwards, details of which will be provided upon request.
• The School offers a private healthcare insurance scheme, which staff may opt to join, at their expense, shortly after the start of each academic year (the policy starts on 1st November each year). The scheme can only be joined at the start of the policy year, not part-way through the year.
• School lunch provided when at work over lunch time and tea and coffee throughout the day.
• Limited use