Organ Scholar FAQs

Most candidates will be of ARCO standard or above, but it’s best to come to play to Daniel Hyde who will advise you.

Not many candidates will have had significant experience in this area. Most important is the cultivation of good aural skills.

King’s is a relaxed, tolerant and informal community, in which all views are respected. It has excellent music resources, including the renowned Rowe music library; the College owns a number of fine grand pianos, a chamber organ and a practice tracker-action organ, and an excellent harpsichord; and, of course, we offer one of the finest organs in the world.

In addition to the daily services in term time, the Choir has a busy concert schedule that includes international tours. Choir concerts tend to have an organ solo in each half of the programme; if concerts include a larger work such as an oratorio, the Organ Scholars often play continuo. Organ Scholars give a recital in Chapel each term, broadcast online to thousands of listeners, and are often invited to perform in Cambridge and elsewhere. King’s Organ Scholars are also offered the opportunity before they leave to record a solo recital programme for release on the King’s College label.

See our step-by-step instructions on the Organ Scholarships page below. Don't forget that the Choir's director, Daniel Hyde, is always happy to hear from those considering organ scholarships at King's.

The Director of Music, Daniel Hyde, is always willing to answer questions about the musical aspects of organ applications from candidates. You can email or phone him at choir@kings.cam.ac.uk or 01223 331224.

All subjects are compatible with an Organ Scholarship at King's, with the exception of Medicine and Architecture.

Contact the Director of Music, Daniel Hyde, who can advise you further, and who can answer any other questions that you may have.

There is no requirement either way regarding gap years; some organ scholars at King’s have taken gap years, part of which they used to further their playing before coming to King’s. It is important to consider how your gap year will prepare you both for your subject course and an organ scholarship at King’s, and you may find it a topic of conversation as part of the interview and audition process.

You are required to play one of the four Bach Trio movements and one other piece of your choice. It’s best to play something that shows a different set of skills from the Trio and has a contrasting character. Your chosen piece is played on the King’s organ, unlike the Bach, which is usually played on a smaller ‘classical’ instrument in one of the other college chapels, so you might like to consider what repertoire makes good use of the instrument. Other examinations, such as RCO diplomas, require keyboard tests similar to those at the organ scholarship auditions, and they are a good source of experience.

Past organ scholars have chosen a great variety of careers. Some have become conductors, some organ recitalists, some cathedral and collegiate directors of music. Composing, piano-playing, teaching: there are many possibilities.

The possession of a degree in music, or in another discipline, coupled with the unique experience gained as an organ scholar, will stand you in good stead in many non-musical contexts.