ADMISSIONs
Be A Chorister Afternoon
Come and sing – and discover life as a chorister at St Mary’s Music School
Being a chorister, and part of the Choir of St Mary's Episcopal Cathedral in Edinburgh, is to be part of a unique tradition that began in 1880. Around 16 boys and girls make up the chorister element of the Choir and over a five year period they receive an exceptional music and academic education, divided between St Mary's Cathedral and
St Mary's Music School.
In this special afternoon, we aim to give children and parents an insight into what life is like as a chorister. We welcome primary pupils P3-P4 who enjoy singing for a special opportunity to participate alongside the Choristers of St Mary's Episcopal Cathedral.
We begin the afternoon with some fun warm-ups before we learn some new music together. There will be a chance to visit St Mary's Music School and to have afternoon tea and the day ends with a service at the Cathedral, which parents are most welcome to attend.
Places are limited and all future applications will be added to a waiting list. If you are not successful on this occasion, there will be another BACA event later in the year.
If you are on the waiting list we will be in touch one week beforehand to let you know whether we have space to fit your child onto the afternoon. Please note, if you are specifically looking at your child to become a Chorister, we would be grateful if you could contact us directly on admissions@smms.uk to discuss the next steps.
Parents and carers are warmly invited to attend. They will have the opportunity to:
- Ask questions about choristership and life at St Mary’s Music School
- Hear their child sing in the Cathedral
- Learn more about the musical, academic and pastoral support offered
Our next be a chorsiter afternoon is 1 May
Find out more about being a chorister here.
Who can attend?
The Chorister Pre-Audition Afternoon is open to P4 pupils only who enjoy singing and are considering applying to become a full-time chorister at St Mary’s Music School from September 2026. Children should live within reasonable travelling distance of St Mary’s Episcopal Cathedral, Edinburgh.
Find out more about being a chorister here. Financial support is available.

