Two scholarship places for tenors · January–December 2027
About the Scholarship
The Royal Free Music Society is pleased to launch its first choral scholarship for 2027, inviting singers to apply for two tenor scholarships. We sing a variety of choral music from Baroque to music by living composers and are committed to achieving the highest musical standards in a relaxed and social environment. The choir has a non-auditioned membership of approximately 50 singers.The choir seeks to encourage developing singers to experience and maintain the enjoyment of choral singing by sharing an extensive repertoire of choral music and styles which, it is hoped, will remain with them throughout their later lives, and which will help sustain the tradition and art of choral singing in the future. The Scholarship scheme is how the choir offers this experience to developing singers.
Who Can Apply
- Aged 18 or over
- In full-time or part-time education, or
- Currently training for a career in singing, or
- Wishing to return to singing after time away
The Scholarship Year
The scholarship runs from January to December, comprising three concerts and approximately 33 rehearsals.- Rehearsals: The Atrium, Ground Floor, Royal Free Hospital, Pond Street, Hampstead, London NW3 2QG
- Concerts: held at local churches
Award
£1,200 per recipient for the year, payable in three instalments of £300 at the end of each term, plus £300 for the concerts.Benefits
- Opportunity to work with Music Director, Dr Benjamin Wolf
- Occasional solo opportunities in performance, dependent on repertoire
- Free music hire of repertoire music for the year
- Two complimentary tickets for each concert
Expectations of Scholars
- Available to attend all rehearsals for concerts (Thursday nights, 19:00–20:30) and on the day of the concert, plus any additional pre-concert rehearsals requested by the Music Director. Absences may only be permitted by prior agreement with the Music Director at the start of each term.
- Participate in the three scheduled concerts for the season (typically Saturday or Sunday evenings in March/April, June/July and November), with participation encouraged in additional events such as fundraising activities for Royal Free Hospital Charity and others.
- Provide confident and musical vocal support for fellow tenors and the choir more generally
- Support the choir's publicity team with social media and content for the choir website documenting the scholarship scheme
- Acknowledge the choir in their professional biography for all internal and external engagements where appropriate
- Leading sectional rehearsals (where possible)
- Leading warm-ups at rehearsals on behalf of the Musical Director (subject to discussion)
Requirements
Scholarship recipients must:- Be able to read music and sight-read
- Have strong vocal technique and musicality
- Have experience performing with groups and as a soloist
- Be committed to regular attendance and participation
- Have enthusiasm for choral music and teamwork
How to Apply
Candidates should complete the Application Form and email it to chair@royalfreemusicsociety.org.uk by Monday 9 November 2026, outlining briefly their musical experience and why they are interested in this scholarship. Please include a link to a recording of two contrasting pieces, no more than ten minutes in length in total.Selection and Audition
Applications are reviewed by the selection team, including the Music Director, and auditions are held, usually as part of weekly rehearsals unless otherwise arranged. Please note that travel costs to the audition cannot be reimbursed.The audition will consist of:
- Two contrasting solo songs
- Sight-reading tests
- Aural tests
- An informal chat with the Music Director and the Chair
Contact
chair@royalfreemusicsociety.org.ukRoyal Free Music Society
