JOB DESCRIPTION
ORGAN SCHOLAR
REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS
The Organ Scholar reports to the Organist and Master of the Choristers and in his absence the Assistant
Organist of Canterbury Cathedral. In conjunction with, and for the duration of, the organ scholarship, the position
holder will undertake the position of Assistant Organist for the King’s School, Canterbury, this post reports to the
King’s School’s Director of Music.
PURPOSE
To support the Organist and Master of Choristers and Assistant Organist and share in the performance of music
in the Cathedral and School, its preparation and administration, as decided with the Organist and Master of the
Choristers and/or Director of Music.
PRINCIPAL TASKS
Organ Scholar
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Attend all such Cathedral services and rehearsals as shall be deemed necessary.
Deputise for the Organist/Assistant Organist when requested.
Play voluntaries before and after services as requested.
Assist the other organist (as page-turner and registrant) and attend services, including special services,
concerts and rehearsals, as required
Act as host and guide for visiting recitalists as required.
Assist the Organist/Assistant Organist and other Music & Liturgy staff with administrative duties.
Work in a safe manner in accordance with the Health & Safety policy and rules of the Cathedral, and
undergo any training necessary.
Assist other Music & Liturgy Department staff when requested.
Carry out other tasks as directed by the Dean and Chapter.
Assistant Organist, The King’s School, Canterbury
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The Assistant Organist will serve as Librarian to the Music Department and may be required to assist the
Department Administrator with the efficient and smooth running of the Department.
The Assistant Organist will be expected to support the musical activities of the King’s School where
required by attending concerts and services, especially those which feature the school's choirs.
Teaching (paid on an hourly basis) may be offered if the successful candidate is suitably qualified.
In the event of the absence or the illness of either the Director of Music or the School Organist, the
Assistant Organist may be required to play the organ or the piano for other school services, school
assemblies, concerts and examinations.
HOURS
Organ Scholar
The Organ Scholar attends such rehearsals and services as may be deemed necessary. As Organ Scholar you
will be required regularly to accompany Evensong on Wednesdays and Thursdays and be available to
accompany services during the absence of the Organist or Assistant Organist. The Sunday 6.30 service is
regularly the Organ Scholar’s responsibility. It is also desirable for you to be in attendance over the principle
liturgical Feasts (Christmas, Easter etc.).
Assistant Organist, The King’s School, Canterbury
Regular duties will include playing the piano or organ for at least two school assemblies per week.
In the event of the absence or the illness of either the Director of Music or the School Organist, the Assistant
Organist may be required to play the organ or the piano for other school services, school assemblies, concerts
and examinations.
Organ Scholar
November 2011
SALARY AND BENEFITS:
Duration
This contract is for a fixed term of 12 months.
Salary
Organ Scholar
The value of the scholarship is currently £2,639 per year. Extra fees are payable for
weddings, funerals and some other non-statutory services, also for private teaching.
Assistant Organist, The King’s School, Canterbury
An honorarium of £2,090 will be paid in monthly instalments during term time. In addition,
the Assistant Organist will be entitled to all school meals, without charge, during term time.
Holiday
Holiday to be taken in line with the Cathedral Choir academic holidays:
From Boxing Day to January 5th.
Usually twelve days following Easter, (unless the date of Easter necessitates a split
holiday.)
From approximately 20th July to the end of August.
Seven days at each half term break, to include a weekend.
Absence for professional engagements is by arrangement with the Organist. The calendar
of services should always be borne carefully in mind.
Accommodation
Due to the nature of the duties of this position, the post holder is required to reside within
the Precincts. Accommodation is therefore provided, free of rent, water rates, council tax,
light and heat charges.
PRE EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS
Before a formal offer of employment can be made, the applicant will be required to:
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have a satisfactory enhanced disclosure from the Criminal Records Bureau.
This position is exempt from the provision of Section 4(2) of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 by
virtue of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975. The grounds on which it is
exempt are that in the normal course of your duties you will have access to persons under the age of 18,
and that your normal duties will be carried out wholly or partly on the same premises where the provision
of training to persons under 18 takes place. Applicants are therefore not entitled to withhold information
about convictions which for other purposes are “spent”. The CRB Code of Practice is available on
request, alternatively you can obtain it from the CRB website www.direct.gov.uk.
Updated November 2011
This job description is provided to assist the post holder to know their principal duties. It may be amended from
time to time in consultation with you, by, or on behalf of, the Head of the Department, without change to the level
of responsibility appropriate to the grading of the post.
Organ Scholar
November 2011