St Mary’s, Barnes is offering a one-year scholarship to an aspiring organist seeking to further their experience in the field of Anglican Church music.

The scholarship consists of:

• Services where the Parish Choir is in situ, between September 1, 2026 and August 31, 2027
• Regular opportunities to play the organ (hymns, accompaniments, and voluntaries) for services at St Mary’s
• A recital opportunity, if appropriate
• Coaching in choral accompaniment and repertoire
• Further private tuition in organ and piano offered at a reduced rate

Commitment:

• In line with the Parish Choir timetable:
  • Weekly Sunday Eucharists in term time (09:15 rehearsal for 10:00 service)
  • One Sunday Evensong per term (16:15 rehearsal for 18:00 service)
  • Christmas Carol service, Ascension Day, All Souls’ Day, Ash Wednesday, and Wednesday and Thursday of Holy Week

The scholarship does not include Easter Day, Midnight Mass, or Christmas Day

The Parish Choir breaks:

Two weeks after Christmas
One week after Easter
Approximately six weeks over summer

When the Parish Choir is not singing, the organ scholar will not be required to attend
If appropriate, additional services (weddings, funerals, memorials) are paid at the standard church rate<[/et_pb_text]

Remuneration

The scholarship attracts a stipend of between £1000 and £1500, depending on commitment and ability, paid in 3 equal instalments throughout the year.

This post is open to aspiring organists/pianists. It may particularly suit those studying at sixth-form level, undergraduate degrees or those on gap years. The successful candidates will have:
● A keen interest in anglican church music.
● A positive attitude and engagement with the choirs at St Mary’s.
● A responsible approach to all commitments, including excellent preparation and punctuality.

Experience as an organist is not a pre-requisite. We would be interested to hear from accomplished pianists (c. Grade 8 ABRSM) who are wanting to explore the organ.
All applicants are treated on an equal basis, without reference to their ethnicity, sex, sexual orientation or age. The applicant must be able to work in accordance with the church’s beliefs, mission, and ethos.

St Mary’s is a thriving parish in the heart of Barnes, with a congregation regularly exceeding 100 people. The church is a hub for musical activity, with its own in-house ‘St Mary’s at 3’ series, monthly Barnes Music Society concerts, and regular concerts held by external organisations.
The church is also home to the Barnes Music Festival in March, hosting numerous concerts with international-calibre musicians.
The main 10am Eucharist service contains a congregational mass, a choral anthem and hymns. Evensongs contain a setting of the canticles, a psalm, an anthem, an introit and hymns.

Please send a brief CV, outlining experience and suitability for the role and contact details for two referees (one of whom should be able to comment on your musical ability) to ‘[email protected]’. References may be taken up prior to the interview.
St Mary’s is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. Recruitment for this post will be undertaken in line with the Church of England’s Safer Recruitment and People Management Guidance.
If you have any questions, please email the Director of Music, Ben, at ‘[email protected]’. He is always happy to answer any questions or to have an informal chat at any point.
There is a rolling deadline for this scholarship. The post may be filled at any time, so early applications are warmly encouraged.