Chair

Music Scholarship

Opus XVI Chamber Choir is a small, friendly, amateur Chamber Choir with about 22 members. We are based in Streatham, and sing a variety of choral music from the 16th century to contemporary. We stage three concerts a year to a high standard in our local area, accompanied by professional soloists and musicians.

We are offering a one year Music Scholarship for an aspiring musician who wishes to develop their skills in choral singing, conducting and/or accompaniment. This might be in preparation for university music scholarships or as a means of broadening their repertoire knowledge. The scholarship is open to talented and enthusiastic school students or students in full or part time music education or others, such as primary school teachers in training, who may end up with responsibilities to lead singing or musical ensembles. Whatever your motivation, if you are interested in what we have to offer, we are interested in you!

We are now recruiting for our 2024/25 Music Scholarship

Applications are open for Music Scholars to join us for the academic year, from September 2024 to July 2025. 

Music Scholars are expected to have a desire to become a rounded musician with choral, conducting or accompanying experience. One of these attributes should already be evident with a demonstrated interest in exploring and developing an additional skill. This will help to enhance and support our choir, and in return the scholar will receive the following benefits: 

• Excellent training to support their music aspirations and improve their abilities as a choral singer or soloist / conductor / accompanist under the direction of our Music Director James Dixon;
• Opportunities for solo performances / conducting / accompanying  at concerts and other events arranged by Opus XVI Chamber Choir;
• Participation in a recruitment and selection process;
• Two complimentary adult tickets for each Opus XVI concert during their tenure; 
• An honorarium of £300 per term (total £900 for the period) plus extra fees for any other relevant events throughout this period. 

The Music Scholar will be expected to: 

• Attend rehearsals regularly subject to agreement with the Music Director. Rehearsals are on Monday evenings during term time from 19:30 to 21:30pm at St Peter’s Church, Leigham Court Road, Streatham SW16 2SD);  
• Attend all concerts during the period of the agreement; 
• Undertake independent work outside rehearsals if necessary to ensure the quality of performance is maintained; 
• Provide an approved deputy if unable to attend a concert; 
• Attend a probation meeting after one month of their appointment with the Music Director and Chair of Opus XVI Chamber Choir; 
• Attend an appraisal meeting after each concert; 
• It is also desirable that the Music Scholar take part in some wider aspects of Opus XVI Chamber Choir’s activities e.g. a workshop, promotional event, etc. 

The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate some, but not necessarily all of the following: 

• A desire to follow a musical career
• Choral and/or solo singing ability, and/or 
• Conducting interest and some experience, and/or
• Keyboard experience

In addition, they will need

• Secure sight-reading skills 
• Effective self-management 
• To be a team player 
• A passion for high standards of music making and choral singing 

How to apply 
We welcome applications from anyone who is interested in this opportunity for 2024/25.

In your application, please tell us why you are interested in becoming a Music Scholar with Opus XVI Chamber Choir and what you will bring to the role. You may use our Scholarship Application Form and send it to enquiries@opus16.org.uk. 

Any questions? Contact enquiries@opus16.org.uk.

Refer to our website opus16.org.uk  

The selection process will include a short interview and audition.