Chorister Scholarship Programme
A Chorister is an enthusiastic boy or girl typically aged between 8 – 14 that has been specially trained to sing in a Choir performing sacred classical music in the Anglican choral tradition.
Our flagship chorister scholarship programme supports gifted and talented children to develop their musical spark with choral excellence. Children have an extended school day and receive daily training, rehearsals and music theory tuition as well as singing lessons (also during the school day).
We offer 24 children from our diverse inner-city community:-
- Free weekly 30 minute 1-1 and/or small group singing lessons from a professional vocal tutor - delivered in school
- An enhanced music curriculum with an extended school day (school finishes at 4:30pm for chorister scholars) including music theory tuition and learning new music during rehearsals
- Fully funded singing and music theory qualifications (grades) with the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM)
- Participation in major concerts across the West Midlands and beyond, including making recordings and TV/Radio broadcasts
- Day and residential trips to cathedrals and other exciting destinations across the UK
- Opportunities to make new friends and getting know new people with similar interests
- Develop unique and valuable skill which will stay with them for life
- Opportunity to learn and performing music by amazing historic composers (like Bach, Handel, Beethoven, etc) in one of the most famous buildings in Birmingham
Research from the Education Endowment Foundation (Arts Participation 2021) has found music can build Children's character and personal development, boost confidence and can accelerate academic progress in reading, writing and mathematics by up to three additional months.
Our programme is ran in partnership with St Mary's Primary CofE Academy, part of Fioretti Trust and all choristers attend the school. If your child attends these schools and you believe they would be interested in auditioning for a scholarship, please contact our Director of Music (Khadeem Duncan-Banerjee) for an exploratory conversation via DoM@handsworthstmary.org