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Choral Scholar (2 x Tenor) - 2025-2026 Scholarship for Spring & summer terms
Vacancy Reference cofe/TP/65649/9575
Overview
Tenor Choral Scholarships for Spring and Summer terms in 2026
Liverpool Cathedral are inviting applications for two positions of tenor Choral Scholar to join our music team. These roles are ideal for outstanding gap year, undergraduate or post graduate students as our Choral Scholarship programme is mainly funded by the Francis Neilson Trust (our fund for furthering the musical development of choristers and former choristers during their childhood and early adult years). However, all applications will be considered equally.
The appointments are for a fixed period from January 2026 to August 2026.
An enhanced DBS application will be required for these roles.
Interviews are planned for Monday 26th January 2026.
Introduction
The scholarships are provided by the cathedral´s music trust, the Francis Neilson Trust, set up for the education of young singers in the cathedral. As such we will require scholars to assist with some mentoring of the choristers on a rotational basis. The scholarship is worth £5,421 pro-rata. paid by monthly instalments with the extra fees for special services. Singing lessons are included. There is shared scholar accommodation available on the cathedral campus. This is subject to discussion and negotiation with the Director of Music. It does not form part of any contractual arrangements. Rent is free, but scholars share the bills for gas, electricity and water. They can apply for a large reduction in council tax.
The Choral Scholar will be fully involved in the busy life of the Music Department, singing alongside the Lay Clerks and choristers in the cathedral choir. The department is a friendly, welcoming and inclusive.
The cathedral choir has an extensive repertoire ranging from music of the renaissance to contemporary works, both in English and Latin, and has made several acclaimed recordings, broadcasts and tours.
Concert work is an important part of the choir's work and they frequently join with the choir of the Metropolitan Cathedral for concerts and services, and also the choirs of Manchester, Blackburn, Chester Cathedrals each year for a joint choral evensong.
Main Responsibilities
As well as a fine singing voice within the correct vocal ranges, very good sight reading is essential, as is the willingness to spend time preparing music for the services and concerts.
The Choral Scholars are expected to attend all choral rehearsals and services as per the schedule. The rest of the schedule is negotiable as we understand that scholars might have other studies or part-time employment.
Choral Scholar weekly schedule
Monday Free day
Tuesday Rehearsal and evensong 4.45pm-6pm / Scholar-rehearsal 6.15-7.15pm
Wednesday no regular duties
Thursday Rehearsal and evensong 4.45pm-6pm / Scholar-rehearsal 6.15-7.15pm
Friday Rehearsal and evensong 4.45pm-6pm
Saturday Choir rehearsal and evensong, 2pm - 4.00pm
Sunday Choir rehearsal and Eucharist, 9.30 -11.45am,
Choir Rehearsal and Evensong, 2pm -4.00pm
In addition, there will be a small number of occasions each term when the Choral Scholars will be asked to sing in concert performances with the cathedral choirs, attend choir tours, and to assist with the choral outreach programme, including the cathedral’s Junior and Youth choirs and adult community choir.
These positions will be particularly attractive to candidates considering a portfolio career, including some work in schools as part of the cathedral’s extensive outreach programme.
The Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate will be punctual, reliable and respectful at all times. They will be personable and honest in all of their work and tasks.
In addition to being excellent singers and sight readers, the ideal candidate must be punctual, reliable and respectful at all times. They should be personable and honest in all of their work and task.
The successful candidates will show an excellent example to the choristers in terms of deportment and behaviour.
If living in scholar housing, they will keep their accommodation clean and tidy and have respect for neighbours on campus.
Successful candidates should be willing to complete a self-declaration and make an enhanced application for DBS to satisfy our requirements under Safeguarding.
They should also provide proof of their right to work in the UK and offer two references that are acceptable to us.
About us
Cathedral Choirs
Cathedral Boys' choir
Cathedral Girls' choir
6 Lay clerks and 6 choral scholars
Choral students (Year 10 - 6th form age)
Cathedral Junior Choirs x 3
Cathedral Youth Choir (the Gilbert Scott Singers)
Liverpool 64 - an adult community choir from age 19 -90
Music Staff
Stephen Mannings - Director of Music
Ian Tracey - Cathedral Organist
Joseph Ashmore - Sub-organist
Ian Wells - Assistant Choral Director
Christopher Newton - Music & Liturgy Administrator
Mitch Holland - Choral Outreach Lead
Molly Wildsmith - Schools Singing Leader
Damian O'Keefe - Vocal Tutor
Stuart Keen - Probationer training
Pat Heyes, Nick Basson, Catherine Miller, Chris Newton & Lynne Tagoe - Choir Guardians
Encounter Liverpool Cathedral
Liverpool Cathedral is a place of spiritual and cultural significance for the city and region of Liverpool. From its foundation in the early part of the 20th century it has existed as community and building built by the people, for the people to the glory of God.
Liverpool Cathedral is more than an iconic Grade 1* listed building. It’s a vibrant, active place that the people of the city, regions and world encounter in many ways. So alongside those who come for one of our daily worship services, people may encounter us for a gala dinner or a school trip. A tourist may visit us or we could be hosting an awards ceremony or graduations. People encounter us in many ways. But in each way, we hope they encounter a warm welcome and sense of God.
As part of their visit we believe everyone will encounter:
- Inspiring Christian worship
- A breathtaking experience
- A community committed to justice and mercy
- A safe, generous place in joy and sorrow
- A dynamic community of staff and volunteers
- A God who knows and loves you.
Working for Liverpool Cathedral will bring you into a community that seeks to make those encounters happen. You will be someone who can subscribe to, and live out, our values of excellence, dynamic, integrity and inclusive. You will have the benefits of working in a landmark building with colleagues who are serious about the work life balance with generous holiday allowances and access to an Employee Assistance Programme. We have a strong working partnership with the Diocese of Liverpool bringing extra support to our activities.
For more information about Liverpool Cathedral go to www.liverpoolcathedral.org.uk
Liverpool Cathedral Values
Our values underpin the culture of working for Liverpool Cathedral, they are:
Integrity: This means we act honourably and truthfully and display consistency of character. We show respect to all recognising how we speak and act affects others. We uphold high standards and are accountable for our behaviour.
Inclusivity: This means we actively co-operate with one another and value our differences and solve problems by listening and finding solutions together, always treating everyone fairly and promoting participation. We create a culture of warmth and belonging, where everyone is welcome.
Excellence: This means we go that ‘extra mile’ and follow through on our commitments and consistently deliver the highest quality of service to all. We demonstrate professionalism and have high expectation of each other being committed to teamwork, sharing knowledge, resources and skills.
Dynamic: This means we actively embrace change, welcome progress and display enthusiasm, passion and enjoyment for our work. We are innovative, open minded and willing to adapt; and we use our drive and commitment to energize, engage and inspire others.