Organ Scholarship

The annual value of the scholarship is £750 (usually paid in three termly instalments by bank transfer). The scholar may, if funds permit, also claim for a termly consultation lesson. The scholarship is advertised internally within the University in September each year and the appointment is made by the Head of Residential Life (North Village) in consultation with the Director of Music and WHA Officers. Applicants may be invited to audition. 

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The Scholarship is awarded annually on merit and the award is made irrespective of the religious convictions of the candidate. Familiarity with a broad range of Christian worship styles would be an advantage. The Scholar will be a competent performer and accompanist on both piano and organ, as well as able to assist in leading a small choir. To this end, some conducting experience would be useful but is by no means essential. 

Specific duties include:

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• playing the organ and/or piano for services each week in term-time

• playing for the Convocation weekend service usually in July of each year

• assisting in the selection of music for services

• coordinating the chapel choir or working with its conductor / Director of Music

• serving on the chapel committee

• organising recitals and other musical events.

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Where a candidate of suitable merit is identified, the award will normally be made to a student embarking on her/his first year of study. The award is open to students from all disciplines: it is not a requirement that an applicant be a student of Music. There is no requirement that applicants be resident in Wills Hall during the tenure of the award, although in the event that candidates of equal merit present themselves, the Trustees may wish to make the award to one who has a current or past association with Wills Hall.

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A fuller description of the award is available from the Music Department's website. In the event that specific details on this page conflict with those on the Music Department page (because of delays in updating websites), the latter should be regarded as definitive. 

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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 (2017-2019)

Charlotte Mason (2020- )