Chapel Music Scholarships
From Michaelmas Term 2025, Wadham College has reimagined its Choral Scholarship scheme as a broader and more dynamic Chapel Music Scholarship programme.
Alongside an increased number of Choral Scholarships, the introduction of Conducting and Keyboard Scholarships creates a richer and more diverse framework for musical development.
This expanded scheme offers exceptional opportunities for talented musicians to refine their skills across performance, accompaniment, and direction, while playing a central role in the vibrant musical life of the Chapel.
Choral Scholarships
Wadham College Chapel Choir offers ten Choral Scholarships across all SATB voice parts at any one time, providing an outstanding opportunity for talented and committed singers to develop their musical and leadership skills.
Acting as “section leaders”, our Choral Scholars form a strong core within the choir and have the opportunity to give solo and smaller consort performances in Scholars’ Recitals throughout the year.
Choral Scholars are granted regular free singing lessons, the opportunity to participate in masterclasses, funding towards the yearly choir tour and a termly stipend.
Conducting Scholarship
The Conducting Scholarship offers an exciting and supportive pathway into the discipline of choral direction, enabling students to build confidence and competence in both rehearsal and performance settings.
The Conducting Scholar works closely with the Director of Music, gaining hands-on experience by leading rehearsals and conducting the choir in services and concerts across the academic year.
While prior conducting experience is not required, a strong background in choral singing is essential, as the scholar remains an active member of the choir when not conducting.
The Conducting Scholar is granted regular free conducting lessons, the opportunity to participate in masterclasses, funding towards the yearly choir tour and a termly stipend.
Keyboard Scholarship
The Keyboard Scholarship provides a dynamic opportunity for skilled and versatile musicians to play a central role in the musical life of the Chapel Choir.
The primary responsibility is accompanying weekly Friday rehearsals, alongside additional performances and events throughout the year.
Scholars enjoy access to the chapel’s exceptional range of instruments - including grand piano, organ, harpsichord and harmonium - and are invited to perform in the College’s lunchtime recital series each term.
While organ experience is advantageous, it is not essential; accomplished pianists with strong accompaniment skills are equally encouraged to apply. The position carries no regular Sunday commitment, though the Scholar is encouraged to sing with the Chapel Choir.
The Keyboard Scholar is granted regular free keyboard lessons on an instrument of their choice, the opportunity to participate in masterclasses, funding towards the yearly choir tour if accompanying and a termly stipend.
Applying
Auditions will be held in Week 1 of Michaelmas Term. For further information or to arrange an audition, those interested should email Wadham Director of Music, Hannah Zaki at hannah.zaki@wadham.ox.ac.uk
Euan Kemp - Conducting Scholar
I’m Euan Kemp, a second year undergraduate music student at New College, and this year’s Wadham College Chapel Choir Conducting Scholar. Alongside singing in the choir’s weekly evensongs, I receive conducting lessons from Director of Music Hannah Zaki and occasionally rehearse the choir and conduct during evensongs and concerts.
Davon Halim - Keyboard Scholar
As Keyboard Scholar, I have had the privilege of playing the fantastic instruments in the chapel including the harpsichord and the Willis organ. The Scholarship has been an integral and enjoyable part of my year in Oxford. I am hugely looking forward most to the Wadham Choir tour to Paris at the end of my stint as Keyboard Scholar, during which I will get to accompany the fabulous choir in some of the most beautiful churches, including the renowned La Madeleine.