Deadline for choral scholarship applications
11:55pm, Fri, 14 Nov 2025
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Type of event: Deadline Start time: 11:55pm Description: 
The Newcastle upon Tyne Bach Choir is delighted to announce the introduction of two Choral Scholarships. Beginning in the 2025-26 academic year, these scholarships will offer aspiring singers an exciting opportunity to develop their understanding and appreciation of choral music under the guidance of the choir’s Music Director, Professor Eric Cross. The Choral Scholars will receive financial support and there will be regular opportunities to perform as part of the choir and from time to time as soloists.
The Choral Scholars would be expected to start in January 2026 and the post would run for the remainder of the academic year. The scholarship(s) may be extended for the following season by agreement between the choral scholar and the choir, up to a maximum of 3 years.
We intend to offer two Choral Scholarships and ideally, we would like one of the successful candidates to be a Tenor.
Purpose of the Scholarship
The scholarships are designed to:- Support and encourage aspiring young singers who either live in, or are studying in Newcastle and the wider North East
- Offer financial incentives for singers to enhance their learning opportunities and as a reward for their commitment to our choir
- Provide the opportunity for guidance, mentoring and practical experience as they develop their performance skills
Duties
Choral Scholars will be expected to:- attend rehearsals which are usually on Monday evenings 6.30-8.30 during university termtime, approximately 10 rehearsals per term;
- sing in the choir and participate fully in learning repertoire for the year;
- attend and take part in all the choir’s concerts and performances unless otherwise agreed with the Music Director – we usually sing 4 concerts a year with the occasional extra event;
- abide by the choir’s policies including on safeguarding, health and safety, social media; and
- assist with publicising concerts both on social media and other means.
Choral Scholars will receive a sum of £500 per term as well as free membership of the choir.
Personal Specification- Scholarships are open to students aged 17 or older who are in school, further or higher education.
- Strong, confident singer who can lead others in learning and performing challenging repertoire.
- Experience of choral music with a working knowledge of a various genres of choral music.
- Good interpersonal skills and the ability to inspire other singers and to fit into a friendly and encouraging group.
- Preference for one of the two scholars to be a Tenor.
- Preference may be given to someone with an interest in pursuing a musical career.
Applications should be emailed to chair@newcastlebachchoir.org no later than Friday 14 November 2025. Candidates should include a CV and recording (2-3 minutes). Shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend a rehearsal on 24 November 2025 to meet the choir and discuss the opportunity with the Chair or Vice-Chair and Music Director. Candidates will be auditioned by the Music Director to test their aural and sight-reading skills.
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