Choral Scholarships are available at Nottingham Cathedral to Sopranos, Altos, Tenors and Basses in tertiary education in Nottingham. Applicants should be at least 18 years of age and demonstrate proficiency with the necessary vocal and music-reading skills for admission to the Cathedral Choir. Only in exceptional circumstances will a Scholarship be awarded to anyone under the age of 18.

Choral Scholars are required to attend all rehearsals and Masses sung by the full Cathedral Choir during term time and in addition sing for up to two Sunday 6pm Masses per month and occasional Choral Vespers.  Attendance during Holy Week and Christmas is by arrangement. 

The value of the Choral Scholarship is up to £1,200, and in addition to this, Scholars are often called upon to sing for weddings and funerals for which additional fees are payable. Scholars also receive subsidised singing lessons with some of the city’s top singing coaches. In recent years, Choral Scholars have also had singing masterclasses with Paul Spicer (2018), David Hill (2017), Roderick Williams (2016) and Ruth Massey (2015). 

For more information about the Cathedral Choir and details about international tours and recordings, please click here.

Since the establishment of the Choral Scholarships in 2003 under Neil Page, the scheme has flourished and seen a wealth of talented musicians pass through its doors to go on to successful careers in music. We are proud that these musicians regularly return to perform with the choir. In 2012, we were extremely fortunate to receive a generous grant of £25,000 from the Friends of Cathedral Music towards our Choral Scholarship Endowment Fund – one of the highest grants ever given towards a Catholic Cathedral.

What do our past choral scholars say?

​How to apply?
Applicants are invited to contact Alex Patterson, the Director of Music, directly at alexpattersonmusic@gmail.com to arrange an audition.

Applicants are usually required to sing one piece, after which vocal, aural and sight-singing skills will be assessed. The audition itself is a great opportunity for you to talk about your experience as a singer, your aspirations and reasons for wanting to join the Choir at the Cathedral.

​As part of the audition process, potential Scholars will be invited to 'test-drive' the choir over a weekend, taking part in our Friday rehearsal and Sunday rehearsal and 11.15am Mass.