Organ Scholarship

The purpose of the scholarship is to encourage young musicians to take up the organ, or to further their current organ studies. The scholarship supports the cost of lessons, music, professional memberships and other appropriate materials associated with organ playing and study.

The Organ Scholar will have regular access to the Chapel organ for practice and study.The purpose of the scholarship is to encourage young musicians to take up the organ, or further their current study, by assisting with the cost of books and other appropriate materials (such as organ shoes) and regular lessons. The organ in the chapel would be made available for regular practice, and priority given to the scholar in the event of the instrument being used by other permitted organists.

Value of the Scholarship

The scholarship has a total annual value of up to £750, comprising:

• £350 paid on appointment as Organ Scholar.

• £200 paid to scholars who attend and play for the annual Wills Hall reunion service, normally held in August.

• Up to £200 available to fund organ related expenses, including lessons, music, organ shoes, professional memberships and other approved study costs.

  
  

The scholarship is awarded annually on merit and may be renewed for a maximum of three years, subject to satisfactory academic progress and continued engagement with organ study.

Eligibility

The Wills Hall Organ Scholarship is open to:

• current students at the University of Bristol (undergraduate or postgraduate) or,

• students who have accepted a place to study at the University of Bristol, applications are welcomed.

This could be a student who is:

• currently studying the organ or,

• a proficient keyboard player (normally grade 6 piano or higher) who would like to take up the organ.

  
  

There is no requirement that applicants be resident in Wills Hall.

Duties

• The Organ Scholar is expected to take their study of the organ seriously through regular practice and, where appropriate, tuition.

• The scholar may be invited to accompany occasional services held in the Chapel, subject to availability and experience.

• Scholars are strongly encouraged to play for the annual Wills Hall reunion service.

• The additional reunion payment is intended to recognise the commitment required, as the event normally takes place during the summer vacation.

• An interest in church music is welcome but not essential. The scholarship is intended to support musical development in its broadest sense.

Method of Application

Please send an email to the Wills Hall Association at wills-hall-association@bristol.ac.uk providing:

• up to 350 words explaining your credentials to be considered as organ scholar (and what you would contribute in the role).

• Please include your present level of musicianship, (what instrument you play and to what level) and your anticipated or current study.

• It would be helpful (but not essential) if you could include the name and contact details of your current teacher, who may be able to provide a reference or letter of support to your application.

  
  

Deadline and Auditions

The application deadline is the first Friday in Teaching Block 1. If an audition is required you would be notified as soon as possible. If a suitable candidate is not appointed, the role may be held open for further applications.

The successful candidate will be supported by Officers of the Wills Hall Association (WHA), who will monitor their progress and discuss their needs as required.

The Chapel and the Organ

The Monica Wills Chapel was given to the University in 1930 as a place of Christian worship for all students, especially those in the Stoke Bishop Halls of Residence. It can be found near the entrance to Wills Hall.

The current organ was built by Peter Collins for the 1983 St. Albans International Organ Festival, and thereafter placed in the Christian Science Church, Clifton. After the closure of that church it was bought for the Hall by former members in 2008 and rebuilt by Collins with the addition of four stops and a new wind chest and case. It is a mechanical action instrument, with two manuals and pedals.

Detailed information may be found at this URL: www.npor.org.uk/NPORView.html?RI=E01290

There is also a grand piano in the chapel.

The location of the Chapel is indicated here: http://churchdb.gukutils.org.uk/chmaps.php?CCC=GLS&ID=1569

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Wills Hall Organ Scholars since the inception of the award have been:

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Chris Mair (2010-2011)

Ethan Huang (2011-2013)

Jenny Jobling (2013-2014)

Duncan Muir (2014-2015)

Samuel Marde Mehdiabad (2015-2017)

Nadia Nishizono Miller (2017-2020)

Charlotte Mason (2020-2021)

Katie Fulford (2021-2022)

Claude Barker (2022-2025)

James Borrie (2025-2026)