Music Scholarship 2026/27
St Columb’s Cathedral is delighted to inaugurate the Mark Fields Music Scholarship, established in memory of Mark Fields, who passed away on 7 September 2025. Following Mark’s death, the Fields family wished to create something positive and lasting in his memory. Reflecting the family’s long association with music, St Columb’s Cathedral and St Columb’s School of Music, the Scholarship has been established to provide a young musician with an exceptional opportunity to develop their skills while becoming immersed in the musical life of the Cathedral.
About the Scholarship
The Mark Fields Music Scholarship is a package worth £2,000, combining individual tuition, financial support and extensive practical experience within the Cathedral Music Department.
Working alongside the Organist & Director of Music and Assistant Organist, the successful Scholar will have opportunities to develop experience in:
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Organ playing and accompaniment
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Singing and vocal development
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Conducting and rehearsal technique
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Choir training
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Assisting with Cathedral rehearsals and services
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Working with the Cathedral’s choristers and Lay Clerks
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Music library and administration
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The wider day-to-day work of a busy Cathedral music department
The Scholar will receive individual tuition through St Columb’s School of Music, with opportunities for tuition in areas including organ, singing and conducting, tailored to the successful applicant and their particular interests and development needs.
The Scholarship will also provide a financial stipend and support towards the Scholar’s wider musical development, creating a total package valued at £2,000.
The Scholarship is particularly suited to a young musician with a strong interest in choral and church music who would benefit from the opportunity to develop their skills in a practical Cathedral environment. Applicants may already have experience as an organist, singer, pianist or conductor, but the Scholarship is intended primarily as a developmental opportunity. We are looking for someone with enthusiasm, musical potential, commitment and a willingness to learn. It may be particularly valuable to a young musician considering further study or a future career in church music, conducting, singing, organ playing or music education.
The Scholar’s Medal
As a lasting symbol of the Scholarship, the Fields family has commissioned a special Music Scholar’s Medal. The medal will be presented to each successful Scholar and associated permanently with the Scholarship at St Columb’s Cathedral. At the heart of the Mark Fields Music Scholarship is a simple aim: to give a young person an opportunity — to learn, gain experience, develop their talents and become part of the musical tradition of St Columb’s Cathedral. Through supporting young musicians for many years to come, the Scholarship will provide a lasting and positive tribute to Mark’s memory.
Applications
Applications are now open for the 2026/27 Mark Fields Music Scholar, with the successful applicant taking up the Scholarship following the October half-term break. Further information, including eligibility, the application process and the commitments of the Scholar, can be found below.
Applications close: Friday 9 October 2026
Auditions and interviews: 9 October – 23 October 2026
Appointment announced: Sunday 24 October 2026
Scholarship commences: November 2026
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to St Columb’s Cathedral for an audition and informal interview. Full details will be provided in advance. The panel will consider musical potential and capacity to develop as well as current attainment. For full details and to apply, please download the Bishop Mehaffey Organ Scholarship Information & Application Pack below.
Applications should be returned to music@stcolumbsschoolofmusic.com by Friday 9 October 2026.