4 days ago Be among the first 25 applicants
Direct message the job poster from St Edmundsbury Cathedral
HR and Safeguarding Administrator at St Edmundsbury Cathedral
St Edmundsbury Cathedral is looking to appoint an Organ Scholar for the academic year 2025-2026.
The scholarship offers the opportunity to work with the music department at an exciting time in the Cathedral’s ministry and musical development.
King Edward VI School is a highly regarded and inclusive secondary school and wishes to appoint a Musician in Residence. It has a strong tradition of musical and performing arts excellence, with historic links with the Cathedral.
The joint award is initially for one year, though it may be extended depending on individual circumstances. Applications are welcome from graduate or pre-university gap-year students.
This is an exciting opportunity for a young musician to gain experience both within a Cathedral music department and in the life of a busy school setting in the vibrant cathedral and market town of Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk.
St Edmundsbury Cathedral Music Department
The Cathedral Choir consists of 20 boy and 20 girl choristers and around 10 adult singers. Each set of choristers takes an equal share of the singing duties. Coming from various schools across Bury and further afield, they rehearse and sing at services on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday afternoons, as well as on Sundays. The adult singers of the choir consist of Vicars Choral, voluntary Lay Clerks and a Choral Scholar. The Cathedral Choir sings for the majority of Cathedral services.
The St Edmundsbury Singers is a ladies choir run by the Assistant Director of Music. They sing Evensong on Wednesdays, alternating with the Youth Choir, and on certain special occasions throughout the year.
The Cathedral Youth Choir is a chamber choir for teenage singers, intended partly to provide former choristers an opportunity to continue singing at the Cathedral. They usually sing for Wednesday Evensongs in alternation with the St Edmundsbury Singers, and participate in special services and events throughout the year.
The Cathedral houses several world-class instruments: the main organ was fully restored in 2010 by Harrison and Harrison, including the creation of two spectacular new cases; a chamber organ by Robin Jennings is housed in the quire; and a Steinway ‘Model D’ grand piano is situated in the Nave and frequently used for concerts.
Duties at the Cathedral
* To play for services as requested by the DoM and the ADoM
* To accompany psalms, canticles, anthems, hymns and play organ voluntaries as agreed on a regular basis
* To prepare appropriately for services and performances with daily practice
* To assist and observe the organist when required
* To attend choral rehearsals as requested. There will be opportunities for the Organ Scholar to rehearse and conduct
* Assist with Chorister Probationer Training
* Assist the Chorister Supervisor with the choristers
* To sing with the Youth Choir and St Edmundsbury singers, if appropriate
* Assist the Librarian with the preparation and organisation of the Cathedral Choirs’ music
* Assisting the DoM and ADoM with administrative tasks and preparation for afternoon rehearsals
* There are occasional services and events outside of the usual routine, for which plenty of notice will be given
King Edward VI School Music Department
Music is very important to our school – within and beyond the classroom. We are looking to appoint an exceptional Musician in Residence from September 2025.
The subject is very strong at all levels at this over-subscribed Platinum Arts Mark School. The Department is a key strength of the school. According to our last OFSTED, ‘students really enjoy music and comment that it is one of the best subjects. They all feel valued as musicians which represents a significant achievement’.
We have strong links with Cambridge University and train music teachers from Homerton College. We also enjoy strong musical relationships with many local primaries, who benefit from our wide ranging expertise, enabling many musical experiences for their own pupils with our support. This is set to increase in future years, as we plan to develop an outreach musical programme with some of these schools, to cement and enhance this relationship.
The Department runs a rich extra-curricular programme of ensembles and activities. Ex Silentio, our senior vocal group, has competed successfully at national level and has undertaken international tours as well as singing Evensong at St Paul’s Cathedral.
Duties at King Edward VI School
* Attending all scheduled sessions unless mutually agreed otherwise
* Recording of student attendance at sessions (NB not enforcing of attendance)
* Adhering to the school’s behaviour, dress and other relevant protocols/policies
* Act as accompanist/vocal specialist
* Accompany weekly rehearsals with Ex Silentio taking the opportunity to co-direct as required
* Work closely with the music team, taking a lead/specifically supporting our performances in the Cathedral
* Other duties may include supporting/accompanying students with ABRSM students with examinations, Grade 5 theory and conducting/accompanying/playing in other musical ensembles in the school
Person Specification
* At least Grade 8 organ playing skills
* Confident sight-reader on piano and organ
* Committed to the musical traditions that underpin cathedral life
* Proven track record of working within a team and on own initiative
* A confident conductor
* Experience using music notation software
* The ability to remain calm under pressure
* Good time management
* A positive outlook with high expectations
* An understanding of safeguarding
* A musical diploma or professional qualification such as ARCO or equivalent
* Previous experience working in a church, chapel or cathedral setting
* Previous experience of having conducted choirs containing children and young adults
Safeguarding
All staff and volunteers are expected to demonstrate a commitment to safeguarding the welfare of all children and adults who may be vulnerable, who are involved with and/or visit the Cathedral or School. This will include adherence to policies and procedures, following good practice in relation to their own behaviour and conduct and undertaking any safeguarding duties commensurate with their specific role.
The appointed candidate will need to have an enhanced DBS check (including barred list check) before commencing work. Safeguarding training will be supplied.
Remuneration
Alongside an honorarium of £9,000, the Organ Scholar is provided with accommodation (with a minimal charge to cover the cost of utilities such as gas/electricity/broadband) within walking distance of the Cathedral. The Cathedral supports the Organ Scholar with the cost of organ lessons. Conducting tuition will also be available. There are also opportunities to play for extra services, for which a fee is payable.
To Apply
Potential applicants are welcome to contact the cathedral or school by email or to have a telephone conversation about the post. Please contact:
Director of Music, St Edmundsbury Cathedral
01284 748739
or
Headteacher, King Edward VI School
01284 761393
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend St Edmundsbury Cathedral for an interview and organ playing audition, to consist of solo playing, hymn playing and improvisation (further details will be confirmed nearer the time).
Interview: Thursday 8 May 2025
Please apply, using the Cathedral’s Application Form, to:
Human Resources and Safeguarding Administrator
Cathedral Office, Angel Hill, Bury St Edmunds, IP33 1LS
Email: hr@stedscathedral.org
Tel: 01284 748720
#J-18808-Ljbffr