Joining the St Margaret's Choristers

Joining the choir

Girls can apply to the choir in the second half of Year 6. There are four junior choristers in Year 7, and 20 full choristers in Year 8-12.

Our current choristers represent 18 different schools across London, and we welcome applications from girls from any school or background.

On joining the full choir in Year 8, each chorister will receive a scholarship of £2,500 per annum: £1,500 will be paid each year, with the remaining £1,000 per annum paid as a lump sum when a chorister leaves the choir at the end of Year 12.

Singing lessons (either 1:1 or 1:2) are provided during rehearsals, and theory tuition is provided for younger choristers In particular, girls must be able to reach Westminster by 4.25pm on a weekday for rehearsals.

In return a full commitment to the schedule is expected.

Enquiries about the choir are welcome at any time. Please email [email protected]

Benefits and opportunities

• Scholarship of £2,500 p.a.
• Free singing and theory tuition
• Perform with experienced professional conductor, singers and organists
• Sing in both St Margaret’s Church and Westminster Abbey
• Additional musical projects such as concerts, recordings and tours
• Learn and perform a wide range of the finest choral music
• Make new friendships
• Be part of an inspiring team
• Choristers' Schedule

Choristers' schedule

When a chorister joins in Year 7, their weekly term-time schedule will be:

Choristers in Year 7 will also be asked to sing in occasional services with the full choir.

For choristers in Years 8-12 in the full choir, the schedule is as follows:

If you would like to find out more about choristerships available to boys here at Westminster Abbey and further details of our unique choir school, you can find more information on the Westminster Abbey Choir School website.

Application

Applications for the choir open in March each year, and are open to girls in Year 6 ready for them to join in Year 7. [some sort of link to application form]

Auditions will be held in the spring of each year, and will be taken by the Director of Music and a singing teacher. Girls will be asked to sing one piece of their choice, and will be given exercises to explore their vocal range, melodic memory and musical awareness.

We are looking for girls with musical potential and strong commitment to the weekly schedule, not fully-fledged performers.

We welcome potential choristers or their teachers to experience an open rehearsal in Spring. In the meantime you can find out what it’s like to be a member of the St Margaret’s Choristers at one of our St Margaret's Chorister Experience Days.