A number of colleges formally appoint undergraduates to sing in their chapel choirs as 'academical clerks' (choral scholars). Of the 16 colleges in the Oxford choral scholarship scheme, Christ Church, Magdalen and New College maintain full choral foundations and appoint male altos, tenors and basses as academical clerks. Exeter, Keble, Merton, Oriel, Pembroke, Queen's, St Edmund Hall, St John's, St Peter's, Somerville, Trinity, University and Worcester colleges appoint female sopranos and altos as well as male altos, tenors and basses. (Undergraduates in residence are eligible to apply for choral bursaries at other Oxford colleges, and at St Mary's, the University Church.)
The University is keen to attract the very best singers and to see as many as possible attend the choral and organ open day.
The next open day will be held on Saturday 21 April 2012, and will take the form of a series of workshops and Evensong.
For more details and booking please see the Music Faculty website.
The selection procedure for entry to the University as an academical clerk falls into two stages: the musical testing (choral trial) held in late September, and the subsequent academic testing and interviewing process as followed by other candidates as described in
how to apply.
Choral candidates are required to complete and submit two applications: a choral application form by 1 September, and a UCAS application by 15 October. It is now too late to apply for a choral scholarship for entry in 2012 or deferred entry in 2013.
Immediately after the musical testing in September, candidates will be informed whether they have reached the musical standard to merit further consideration for a choral scholarship. Accordingly, choral candidates are advised not to submit their UCAS application until they know the result of the September tests. Candidates unsuccessful in the musical testing may wish to reconsider their intention to apply for entry to Oxford. Equally, such candidates are most welcome to continue with their academic application.
The selection process is completed only in December, after the academic testing. A choral scholarship will only be made to a candidate who has satisfied both the choral and academic examiners. An offer may be subject to A-level or other conditions.
Please note: after the interviewing period in December, successful candidates may be offered a place, but not a choral scholarship. This may happen when scholarship places have been taken by stronger candidates.
The musical testing will take the form of a vocal audition (the performance of a prepared piece of vocal music selected by the candidate) and tests to determine sight reading and aural ability. Candidates are requested to bring two additional copies of their prepared piece for the use of the accompanist and the examiner.
Candidates may not apply for a choral scholarship at both Oxford and Cambridge in the same year.
