Organ Scholars
The two Organ Scholars provide the accompaniments and voluntaries for choral services, either on the Chapel's fine 2-manual Mander instrument, or the portable chamber organ. Organ Scholars attend full rehearsals and also help with the Choristers’ morning practices. From time to time they are required to rehearse and conduct the Choir; they also teach theory of music to the older Choristers.
Organ Scholars' stipends are related to academic awards, with supplements for vacation duties; there are also fees for concerts and broadcasts. Accommodation is provided within the College during the undergraduate years and each Organ Scholar's room is equipped with a keyboard instrument. Regular organ tuition is paid for by the College, together with lessons in the Alexander Technique and singing.
Musical auditions for Organ Awards are held jointly with other colleges in September, usually one year in advance of admission. Magdalen can only admit an Organ Scholar who is applying to read Music and candidates will undertake an academic interview and admissions tests for Music at the same time.
The Director of Chapel Music, Daniel Hyde, is always happy to meet prospective candidates to give further information, answer queries and offer advice.
For further details about Magdalen College Choir, recent and forthcoming events, important dates and applying for an Organ Award, please click on the links or email choir@magd.ox.ac.uk.
Full details of vacancies and examinations for both Organ and Choral Awards, and application forms, are available from the Undergraduate Admissions Office, University Offices, Wellington Square, Oxford, OX1 2JD (tel. 01865 270207); email: undergraduate.admissions@admin.ox.ac.uk.