Monica Wills Chapel Organ Scholarship

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.

The purpose of the scholarship is to encourage young musicians to take up the organ, or to further their current organ studies. The scholarship supports the cost of lessons, music, professional memberships and other appropriate materials associated with organ playing and study.

The Organ Scholar will have regular access to the Chapel organ for practice and study.

Value of the Scholarship

The scholarship has a total annual value of up to £750, comprising:
  • £350 paid on appointment as Organ Scholar.
  • £200 paid to scholars who attend and play for the annual Wills Hall reunion service, normally held in August.
  • Up to £200 available to fund organ related expenses, including lessons, music, organ shoes, professional memberships and other approved study costs.
The scholarship is awarded annually on merit and may be renewed for a maximum of three years, subject to satisfactory academic progress and continued engagement with 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.
Applicants may be:
  • Currently studying the organ.
  • A proficient keyboard player, normally Grade 6 piano or above, who wishes to take up the organ.
There is no requirement to be resident in Wills Hall.

 

Duties

The Organ Scholar is expected to take their study of the organ seriously through regular practice and, where appropriate, tuition.
The scholar may be invited to accompany occasional services held in the Chapel, subject to availability and experience.
Scholars are strongly encouraged to play for the annual Wills Hall reunion service. The additional reunion payment is intended to recognise the commitment required, as the event normally takes place during the summer vacation.
An interest in church music is welcome but not essential. The scholarship is intended to support musical development in its broadest sense.

 

Method of Application

Please send an email to wills-hall-association@bristol.ac.uk including:
  • Up to 350 words explaining your suitability for the scholarship and what you would contribute in the role.
  • Details of your current level of musicianship and any organ experience.
  • Details of your current or intended course of study.
  • The name and contact details of a current teacher, if available, who may be willing to support your application.

Deadline and Auditions

The application deadline is the first Friday in Teaching Block 1.
Applicants will be informed as soon as possible if an audition is required. If a suitable candidate is not appointed, the scholarship may remain open for further applications.
The successful candidate will be supported by officers of the Wills Hall Association, who will discuss progress and support needs as appropriate throughout the year.

 

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.

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.