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The Scholarship

The Grosvenor Chapel Champniss Organ Scholarship runs from September 1^st to August 31^st each year and attracts a payment of £3,000 per year generously donated by the Champniss Foundation. The organ scholar will be under the direction of the Director of Music, Richard Hobson, and the Priest-in-Charge, the Revd Dr Richard Fermer.

Duties

The organ scholar will be expected to attend all services when the choir sings and to share the playing of the 6 or 7 non choir Sundays per year. On Sundays the rehearsal begins at 9.45 for the 11.00 service.  On Easter Day, Remembrance Sunday, Palm Sunday and occasionally as required, the rehearsal may begin at 9.15 or 9.30, depending on the music.  On weekdays the rehearsal is at 5.45 for a 7pm service, except on Good Friday when it is at 10.45 for a midday service. These timings may change according to circumstances if a different pattern of services is agreed with the Priest-in-Charge, and occasional additional services may be added.

Additional duties might also include playing for a monthly family service, an occasional service for wedding couples, and for one or two school services per term.  These could be shared with the Director of Music, or time off on Sunday mornings arranged in lieu.

The organ scholar will also be the accompanist for the Mayfair Community Choir for which a small additional payment might be made.  He/she will assist the conductor of the choir, playing for rehearsals and performances, taking sectional rehearsals, and perhaps deputising when necessary.  The choir meets, usually at Grosvenor Chapel, on Tuesday evenings from 6.30 – 8.00.

Depending on the skills of the person appointed, the organ scholar will be given the opportunity to accompany all or part of services, to play voluntaries, and to direct the choir.  The Director of Music will assist in the preparation of music to be accompanied or conducted.  The organ scholar might be asked to deputise for the Director of Music occasionally, and assuming his or her skills are of an appropriate standard, will be offered any additional services (weddings, funerals, memorial services) for which the Director of Music is unable to be present.  The Organ Scholar might also be asked to accompany the choir on such occasions, should the music chosen require it.  Additional fees will be paid on these occasions.

Recitals

Mayfair Organ Concerts was established jointly with St George’s, Hanover Square in January 2013 to continue and expand the Tuesday Lunchtime Recitals begun when the Grosvenor Chapel Organ was installed in 1991.  The organ scholar will be offered the opportunity to perform in this series if appropriate, and it is hoped that he/she will assist in the organising and running of these concerts.  Grosvenor Chapel is also the home of many other concerts, and there might be opportunities to take part in some of these.

Payment and Fees

The Scholarship payment will usually be made termly in equal instalments, other fees for playing or directing at weddings, funerals, memorial services and carol services, should he or she be required, are paid by cheque in arrears.

The organ scholar will have access to the chapel organ for personal study and practice by arrangement with the Director of Music and the Administrator, and will have keys (for his/her use only) for access when the Chapel is closed. 

Richard Hobson has wide experience as an organ teacher, and, should this be appropriate, he will be happy to teach and/or coach the Organ Scholar, including preparation for the RCO diplomas (playing and paperwork), and university organ awards, as part of the organ scholarship.

Application should be made to Richard Hobson (hbsrnh@aol.com) with a CV and the names of two referees (one of whom will usually be the applicant’s organ teacher).  Shortlisted candidates will be asked to visit Grosvenor Chapel to meet the Priest-in-Charge and the Director of Music, to play an organ solo of their choice and demonstrate their keyboard skills.  They may then be asked to attend on a Sunday morning to play and accompany the choir if appropriate.

Applications for September each year should be made by the end of February, though inquiries are welcome at any time.