Bishop Mehaffy Memorial Organ Scholarship 2026/27
St Columb’s Cathedral invites applications for the Bishop Mehaffey Organ Scholarship for 2026/27, offering a developing organist the opportunity to gain practical experience and structured musical training within the life of the Cathedral, in association with St. Columb's School of Music and supported by the Mehaffy Family.
Working alongside the Organist and Director of Music, Assistant Organist and Cathedral Choirs, the successful candidate will have the opportunity to develop the practical skills required of a church and cathedral musician, including service playing, choral accompaniment, solo repertoire, rehearsal technique and choir training.
The scholarship is intended above all as a training and development opportunity. We are therefore interested not simply in accomplished players, but in musicians who demonstrate potential, commitment, good general musicianship and a genuine desire to develop.
The Organ Scholar will have opportunities to play for Cathedral services; accompany choirs in rehearsals and services; develop hymn playing, psalm accompaniment and liturgical improvisation; build solo organ repertoire; assist with chorister training; and gain experience in conducting and rehearsal technique. The exact balance of duties will be tailored to the experience of the successful candidate, who will work closely with the Cathedral’s music staff throughout the scholarship.
The opportunity may particularly suit a sixth-form, university, gap-year or early-career musician considering further study or a future in organ playing, church music, conducting or choral music.
Applications close: Friday 18 September 2026
Auditions and interviews: 25 September–1 October 2026
Appointment announced: Sunday 4 October 2026
Scholarship commences: October 2026
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to St Columb’s Cathedral for an audition and informal interview. The audition will include an organ work with sight-reading and practical keyboard tests appropriate to the candidate’s level. 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 18 September 2026.