York Minster is offering school pupils currently in Year 3 the chance to audition for its world-famous choir. Children are not expected to have formal singing experience, but a love of singing is a necessity. If their audition is successful, children will receive a subsidised place at St Peter’s School for 2025, with opportunities to apply for up to 100% funding.

Choral music is one of the glories of York Minster. The choir is widely regarded as one of the finest cathedral choirs in the country and can trace its heritage back to AD627. In recent years, choristers have performed for His Majesty King Charles III, as well as featuring on BBC Radio 3 and Classic FM. Alongside high profile performances, choristers also have the chance to tour internationally, make new friends, and sing alongside renowned musicians in the awe-inspiring setting of York Minster.

York Minster’s choristers receive a world-class musical education under the tutelage of Robert Sharpe, the cathedral’s Director of Music. In their first year, the children are encouraged to find their voice: they attend rehearsals, take musical theory and sight singing lessons, and develop their musicianship through fun games. From their second year, they begin singing at services, concerts and special occasions, supported by an expert team of musicians, chaperones and clergy at York Minster. Choristers also receive an outstanding education at St Peter’s School, one of the oldest schools in the world, winner of the Times Education Supplement’s Independent School of the Year 2021, and the choir school for York Minster since September 2020.

The Chapter of York, York Minster’s governing body, provides a substantial scholarship for each chorister towards school fees, regardless of financial status. Families can also apply for additional means-tested bursaries which can potentially increase the level of funding to 100% through St Peter’s School bursary programme.

Robert Sharpe explains that the recruitment process aims to identify children’s musical potential. He said:

“Becoming a chorister at York Minster is an excellent way to harness a child’s musical talent, as well as helping children to develop lifelong skills of self-discipline, team-work, organisation, concentration, poise, and attention to detail.

“I know that there will be many parents in and around York with a son or daughter who just loves singing and who may be searching for ways to nurture their child’s ability. At the auditions, I will be looking for children who are able to hold a tune, pitch notes, and express an interest in developing their musical talents, but I am not expecting them to arrive as fully-formed musicians!

“This is a unique opportunity for a child to have a superb education and to play a part in the life of one of the most important and beautiful cathedrals in the world.”

Commenting on the auditions, Jeremy Walker, Head Master of St Peter’s School, York, said:

“The wonderful experience of being a chorister at York Minster, combined with an outstanding education at St Peter’s, offers life-changing opportunities for girls and boys with musical talents and interests.

“I am aware of the financial pressures that families are facing in the current climate. For some, this may make a choristership at St Peter’s seem out of reach, but I would encourage you to have a conversation with our team about applying for means-tested bursaries. You may be surprised by how many families qualify for additional fee assistance.

“I have first-hand appreciation of the incredible experience this provides, as a former chorister parent myself and Head Master of two cathedral choir schools, and encourage you and your families to find out more and consider an application.”

About the 2025 Chorister Auditions

York Minster’s Chorister Auditions will be held in January 2025 at St Peter’s School, Clifton, York YO30 6AB. The deadline for applications is 31 December 2024. For more details, please contact admissions@stpetersyork.org.uk.