Organ Scholarships at Trinity

Being an Organ Scholar at Trinity is a challenging and rewarding role within the life of the College. Trinity always has two Organ Scholars in residence who play a key role assisting the Director of Music and Clergy in the day-to-day running of the Choir and Chapel.

Duties include accompanying and conducting the Choir in rehearsals and services, taking rehearsals, giving regular organ recitals, choosing repertoire, playing for weddings and other Chapel services, and working closely with the Chapel Office staff team.

Organ Scholar Jeremy Cole plays J.S. Bach’s Ricercare à 6, BWV 1079

Although Organ Scholars also have to balance these duties with their own degree, they invariably find sufficient time to pursue their own musical projects in Cambridge. There is no such thing as a typical Organ Scholar at Trinity, and recent personal projects have included conducting large-scale concerts such as J.S. Bach’s St John Passion and Mass in B Minor, directing their own vocal groups, giving piano recitals, accompanying vocal recitals, organising year-long projects including ‘Bach at Trinity’, and playing in chamber music ensembles.

Frequently in demand as recitalists, accompanists, and conductors, Trinity Organ Scholars play a prominent role in the artistic life of the College and University.  After graduating, many have taken up important positions, both sacred and secular, in the musical world.

Trinity’s magnificent mechanical-action organ is regarded as one of the finest instruments of its kind in the world. It was completed in 1975 by the Swiss firm Metzler und Söhne within the original cases of the 1694 and 1706 ‘Father’ Smith organs.

Organ Scholarship benefits

In addition to their annual scholarship of £450 per year, Organ Scholars receive:

  • Free organ tuition from our experienced, highly-respected > teachers;
  • Free singing lessons;
  • Annual > tours at no cost to the individual Organ Scholar;
  • Three free dinners a week in Hall and six annual Feasts;
  • An annual bequest for building their own library of organ music;
  • Special reserved rooms in College which they can keep all year round;
  • A Yamaha Clavinova in their room;
  • Access to the Chapel’s recording equipment for personal projects.

Further information

> Current and former Organ Scholars

> The Trinity organ

> Organ teachers

How to apply

Anyone interested in finding out more about Organ Scholarships at Trinity is invited to write to us at:

> [email protected]