Organ Scholarship 2026
St Mary-at-Finchley is a great place to develop your music skills in every way. Already a skilled keyboard player (piano Gr 6/7 minimum), and starting to play the organ? Here you can learn to play core repertoire in a wide range of styles for services in this welcoming and inclusive parish church in North London. Be mentored by the D/M (professional singer and choir trainer) while you study with your choice of organ teacher. Also take a turn conducting, singing the psalm as Cantor. Learn to accompany rehearsals. Open practice facility, your weekly practice slots. We love our music here, it’s at the heart of our worship. The organ is a well maintained 2-manual Willis organ, restored/refurbished 2012.
Next applications open January 2026 for April 2026 start (closing date Sunday 15th February 2026). Auditions March 2026.
Are you a talented musician, a good pianist (Grade7+) and already learning to play the organ?
If so you could apply to be our next Organ Scholar with a great package of learning and playing opportunities. Establish your regular practice sessions on the well-maintained 2-manual Father Willis organ. The stipend of £1200 for a full year (or pro-rata if the scholarship is less than 12 months) covers regular organ lessons with the teacher of your choice. Your mentor will be Alison Smart Fisher, a professional choir director and experienced teacher who will liaise with your organ teacher to ensure good progress is made during your scholarship at St Mary-at-Finchley.
Come and be part of the music team at this vibrant RSCM-affiliated parish church in North London! Former Organ Scholars in this scheme include Damon Ying (ARCO) and Drew Sellis (Organ Scholar, Jesus College Cambridge). If you’d like more information or to chat about whether this is the right scholarship for you please contact Alison Fisher alisonsmartfisher@gmail.com
How to apply: Please send your CV, with an email detailing your reasons for applying, to:
Reverend Philip Davison, email: rector@stmaryatfinchley.org.uk, copying in the Director of Music,
Mrs Alison Smart Fisher, email: alisonsmartfisher@gmail.com
When you send your email application please attach a short unedited recording of yourself playing three verses of the hymn ‘Angel voices ever singing’ (tune: Angel Voices- contact Alison Fisher if you’d like a copy) and a short organ (1-2 mins max) organ piece of your choice suitable to play in church. Short-listed candidates will be invited for audition and interview on a Sunday morning in late Feb/March 2024 (dates tbc); music items for this will be notified 3 weeks in advance.
We look forward to receiving your application!!
St Mary-at-Finchley is an Anglican church committed to equal opportunities and is a member of Inclusive Church.