The chorister programme is widely acknowledged as unique in developing high levels of musicianship and performance at an early age. In addition to the exceptional musical benefits, it fosters important life qualities of dedication, discipline, and teamwork and provides strong foundations for the choristers, not just in music but in their lives more generally. Being a chorister is undoubtedly hard work, but the rewards are immeasurable!

The Chorister Day (Weekdays) * see daily details below

8.20     Cathedral Song School doors open

8.30     Registration and Chorister Rehearsal

9.45     School Lessons

16.30    Choir Tea (hot or cold snack, fruit and a drink)

16.55    Full Rehearsal in the Cathedral

17.30    Choral Evensong

18.15    Finish (except Thursdays - see below)

*

Mondays          Choristers go home from School at 4.30pm

Tuesdays          Evensong - Full Cathedral Choir

Wednesdays      Choristers go home from School at 3.30pm

Thursdays         Evensong - Full Cathedral Choir, followed by rehearsal until 6.55pm

Fridays             Evensong - Full Cathedral Choir

The Chorister Day (Weekends)

There is seldom any Chorister commitment on Saturday.

On Sundays

9.20     Arrival at the Cathedral Song School and Rehearsal

10.30   Cathedral Sung Eucharist

12.00   Choristers return home for lunch

14.25   Arrival at the Cathedral Song School and Rehearsal

15.30   Choral Evensong

Holiday Commitments

School term times are broadly followed. However, a Chorister is committed to take part in Christmas and Easter Services as well as two weeks during the Edinburgh Festival in the Summer holidays.

Instrumental Lessons

A typical chorister will have a love of singing and of reading, but will generally also play an orchestral instrument and/or the piano. However, there is no minimum standard required to make an application.

Choristers starting at St Mary’s Music School learn one instrument, provided for during the school timetable, and a second instrument may be taken up in the first year of the Senior School.

Regular vocal coaching is provided and all choristers are taught music theory and composition. A weekly Performance Class allows the opportunity to try out instrumental repertoire.

Music lessons,ensembles and classes are timetabled within the school day, as is private practice each week. Practice Supervisors are of on hand to help with all musical matters.