Winchester offers Music Scholarships and Music Exhibitions at both 13+ and 16+, and Choral and Organ Scholarships for 16+ entries.
All awards are given for performances heard at audition. The audition includes a 15-minute performance, and 10 minutes of practical tests. Informal pre-auditions are also available for all candidates.
In making awards, we are looking for musicianship, potential and commitment, alongside achievement.
Music Awards do not automatically carry a remission on school fees.
Award applications for 13+ entry are made in November of year 8.
Generally, successful 13+ candidates will be at least Grade 6 (or an equivalent) on their first instrument.
Applications for 16+ entry are made at the time of applying to the school.
For 16+ the expectation is that pupils will be Grade 8+ standard, and pupils offering only piano should be of diploma standard.
Choral scholar applicants do not need to have taken grades in singing exams but should have experience of regular choral singing. This is an ideal preparation for university choral scholarships and would suit singers who wish to improve their sight-reading and musicianship skills through rehearsing several times per week. Choral scholars must be prepared to commit to services, concerts, tours and broadcasts and will receive 1 to 1 lessons from experienced singing teachers.
It is envisaged that in time, the choral scholars will sing as a small group as well as within the liturgical choirs at Winchester. There will be opportunities to develop singing beyond Winchester through participation in events in Cambridge and Oxford, and for the right applicants, the opportunity to spend a gap year in Winchester working with both the Cathedral and College and pursuing particular musical interests.
Applications are welcomed from all voice parts.
The organ scholars work alongside the Chapel Organist providing organ music for services. They accompany choirs on piano and organ and are able to develop choral (and orchestral) conducting.
Winchester College Chapel Choir with its 16 Quiristers (8–13-year-old trebles) provides an unparalleled opportunity to experience a Cathedral-style training during the Sixth Form, invaluable for organists wishing to apply for university scholarships which involve working with children.
