Information for Candidates

Through the generosity of the Wills Hall Association, an Organ Scholarship is available at The Monica Wills Chapel (situated in the grounds of Wills Hall, one of the University’s Halls of Residence on the edge of the Downs).

The purpose of the scholarship is to encourage young musicians to take up the organ, or further their current study, by assisting with the cost of books and other appropriate materials (such as organ shoes) and regular lessons. The organ in the chapel would be made available for regular practice, and priority given to the scholar in the event of the instrument being used by other permitted organists.

The annual value of the Scholarship is £750, paid in three termly instalments by bank transfer. It would also include student membership of the Royal College of Organists, providing access to a wealth of online and other support materials.

The Scholarship is awarded annually on merit, but may be renewed for a maximum of three years, conditional on satisfactory academic progress in the scholar’s chosen area of study, and successful progress in their organ study.

Eligibility

The Wills Hall Organ Scholarship is open to:

• current students at the University of Bristol (undergraduate or postgraduate)
  or
• students who have accepted a place to study at the University of Bristol, applications are welcomed.

This could be a student who is:

• currently studying the organ,
  or
• a proficient keyboard player (normally grade 6 piano or higher) who would like to take up the organ.

There is no requirement that applicants be resident in Wills Hall during the tenure of the award, although in the event that candidates of equal merit present themselves, the Trustees may wish to make the award to one who has a current or past association with Wills Hall.

Duties

The organ Scholar would be expected to take their study of the organ seriously, with regular practice and taking lessons.  As a student member of the Royal College of Organists, the successful scholar would have access to local accredited teachers of the organ.

The only duties as such, would be accompanying the occasional services which may be held in the chapel, (currently one or two per term) subject to the organ scholar being sufficiently experienced they would be encouraged to perform for the annual Wills Hall Alumni Service, usually held at the end of the academic year.  More regular opportunities for service accompaniment in local churches could be easily arranged for anyone so interested.  An interest in an eventual career as a church organist, however,  is not essential.  A number of highly successful organists choose to focus on recital and other work, or simply enjoy organ playing as a hobby.

Method of Application

Please send an email to the Wills Hall Association at wills-hall-association@bristol.ac.uk providing:

• up to 350 words explaining your credentials to be considered as organ scholar (and what you would contribute in the role).
• Please include your present level of musicianship, (what instrument you play and to what level) and your anticipated or current study.
• It would be helpful (but not essential) if you could include the name and contact details of your current teacher, who may be able to provide a reference or letter of support to your application.

Deadline and Auditions

The application deadline is the first Friday in Teaching Block 1. If an audition is required you would be notified as soon as possible. If a suitable candidate is not appointed, the role may be held open for further applications.

The successful candidate will be supported by Officers of the Wills Hall Association (WHA), who will monitor their progress and discuss their needs as required. 

The Chapel and the Organ

The Monica Wills Chapel was given to the University in 1930 as a place of Christian worship for all students, especially those in the Stoke Bishop Halls of Residence. It can be found near the entrance to Wills Hall.

The current organ was built by Peter Collins for the 1983 St. Albans International Organ Festival, and thereafter placed in the Christian Science Church, Clifton. After the closure of that church it was bought for the Hall by former members in 2008 and rebuilt by Collins with the addition of four stops and a new wind chest and case. It is a mechanical action instrument, with two manuals and pedals.

Detailed information may be found at this URL: www.npor.org.uk/NPORView.html?RI=E01290

There is also a grand piano in the chapel.

The location of the Chapel is indicated here: http://churchdb.gukutils.org.uk/chmaps.php?CCC=GLS&ID=1569

Organs at the University

Prospective Scholars may be interested in the following information about the three organs that are available at the University:

• The Recital Room at the Music Department houses a fine, mechanical action 13-stop chamber organ, with two manuals and pedals, built by William Drake (1996).
• The Auditorium at the Music Department houses a three manual and pedal digital organ from the Veritas Organ Company, generously donated by its designer alumnus Graham Blyth (2011).
• The University Great Hall in the Wills Memorial Building has a large three manual (four divisions) and pedal organ; it was built by Nicholsons in the 1960s but has since been modified and maintained by Harrisons of Durham.

The Organ Scholar will have free and regular access to the instrument in the Chapel, and subject to the availability of rooms, every effort will be made to provide further practice facilities on the University organs listed above. Scholars who are Music students will of course have appropriate practice time for degree recitals at the University.