Financial Support for Choral & Organ Scholars

The University of King’s College chapel is committed to the highest quality liturgy and music and offers young singers and organists who wish to pursue their studies at the university level an excellent musical training ground. Based on the model of Oxford and Cambridge, music scholarships are available for candidates who demonstrate an advanced level of musical skill and experience.

The director of music, Paul Halley, is pleased to meet and hear prospective candidates at any time of year. These informal meetings provide an opportunity to ask further questions about life as a member of the choir and King's in general.

Organ scholarships

Two organ scholarships are available. The purpose of the programme is to give talented young organists plenty of hands-on experience in all aspects of church music and organ performance while they work on their degree. The main duty of the organ scholars is to accompany services. They also act as assistants to Paul Halley, taking rehearsals and conducting the choir when needed. It is possible to pursue a BMus in organ performance that includes the King’s Foundation Year Program.

Choral scholarships

Twelve choral scholarships are available. The main duty of the choral scholars is to sing at the chapel’s weekly services during term and, in addition, participate in concerts, recordings, and tours. The choir sings at two services each week and three rehearsals, giving singers extensive experience in the great choral tradition. The choir also sings Grace at Formal Meals, which take place once a month. In addition to their scholarship, choral scholars are entitled to free vocal tuition from professional voice teachers in Halifax.

How to apply for a music scholarship

Those interested in becoming choral scholars should submit a recording of two sacred pieces along with a résumé listing previous choral experience. Those interested in the organ scholarship should submit a recording of one organ piece by J. S. Bach and another of the candidate's choice, together with a résumé. Based on this material, an audition will be set up at a time that is mutually convenient, between September and February of the year prior to the candidate's first academic term. Students who are accepted as choral or organ scholars must meet the entrance requirements of the College to gain admittance.

Recordings and accompanying material can be submitted electronically to Paul Halley or by mail to Paul Halley, Director of Music, University of King's College, 6350 Coburg Road, Halifax, NS B3H 2A1.